Tokyo: The campaign for the leadership of the ruling party in Japan officially began on Tuesday and Yoshihide Suga a long-time leader close to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, received a post. It is being seen as the top candidate, who is likely to assume the leadership of the government as well.
The 71-year-old Suga, the chief cabinet secretary and chief spokesperson of the government, officially filed his candidacy for leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party last week. He is pitted against the relatively young former defense minister Shigeru Ishiba and former foreign minister Phumio Kishida. Both are 63 years old.
The winner for the party leadership will be decided by a vote on September 14, and the leader receiving the party’s leadership will eventually become the next Prime Minister of Japan as the ruling party has a majority in Parliament. Abe resigns from the post due to health reasons. Suga, a late claimant, has the support of key party leaders as he is the best candidate in terms of continuing Abe’s policies. (Agency)
There are reports that prominent party leaders are ready to support Suga with the hope of getting a cabinet post in the administration. According to the opinion poll of the newspaper, even among the public, Suga has beaten Ishiba, a former favorite in terms of popularity. Suga has pledged to tackle the challenges Abe has left behind on the economic and corona virus front.
At the same time, Ishiba is considered to be Abe’s rival and is contesting the party leadership for the fourth time. He has called for changing Abe’s economic policies. Kishida is currently the party’s policy head.
