After being chosen as the new leader of her party, the Japanese congresswoman could take the position left vacant by Shigeru Ishiba
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The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan chose Sanae Takaichi, 64 years old, as its new leader on Saturday, which puts her on track to become the country's first female prime minister. The election marks a significant shift in the Japanese political landscape and could have major repercussions both domestically and internationally.
Takaichi, known for her nationalist and conservative stance, defeated moderate Shinjiro Koizumi, 44 years old, in the second round of voting, who was aiming to become the youngest prime minister of the modern Japanese era. As the only woman among five LDP candidates, her victory represents a historic moment.
The parliamentary vote to replace outgoing prime minister Shigeru Ishibais scheduled for October 15. Although it won't be an automatic confirmation, Takaichi is the favorite, since the LDP and its coalition partner still hold the largest bloc of seats in parliament, despite having lost the absolute majority in both chambers under Ishiba's leadership, which led to his resignation.
In her speech after being chosen, Takaichi acknowledged the party's internal crisis: "I've heard voices from across the country saying they no longer know what the LDP stands for. I want to turn that anxiety into hope." She pledged to work tirelessly, stating that she has sacrificed her "work-life balance" for the good of the country.
Takaichi venció al actual ministro de Agricultura y Pesca de Japón en las votaciones de su partido
Former Minister of Economic Security and Internal Affairs, Takaichi is a staunch defender of Shinzo Abe's economic legacy, known as "Abenomics," a strategy of high fiscal spending and loose monetary policy.
She has criticized recent interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan and is expected to take an expansionary approach that will complicate market expectations regarding future rate increases. After her election, the likelihood of the Bank of Japan raising interest rates this month has dropped considerably, according to financial analysts.
In foreign policy, Takaichi has caused both expectations and concern. She has mentioned the possibility of renegotiating an investment agreement with U.S. President Donald Trump related to tariffs, and has expressed her intention to revitalize the bilateral relationship with the United States. The U.S. ambassador to Japan, George Glass, publicly congratulated her and expressed interest in strengthening the partnership.
However, her nationalist positions could strain relations with neighboring countries. She is a frequent visitor to the Yasukuni Shrine, considered by China and South Korea as a symbol of Japanese militarism. In addition, she has proposed revising Japan's pacifist Constitution and forming a kind of security alliance with Taiwan, which was well received by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, who called her "a steadfast friend of Taiwan."
Takaichi es una gran admiradora del asesinado primer ministro Shinzo Abe
