Japan elected its first female prime minister on Tuesday (21). Sanae Takaichi, a member of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), was confirmed by Parliament after forming a new coalition with the right-wing party Innovation Japan (Ishin). The vote took place days after the resignation of Shigeru Ishiba, who left the post of prime minister.
With 237 votes, Takaichi surpassed the necessary majority in the House of Representatives and is expected to be confirmed also in the House of Councillors. Her rise breaks a decades-old taboo in a country where politics remains dominated by men. In addition to symbolizing gender progress, her victory consolidates a conservative shift in Tokyo, with direct repercussions on both domestic policy and Japan’s international relations, according to Reuters.
Takaichi’s victory represents a rightward shift in Japanese politics and consolidates Ishin’s control in power after the breakdown of the old alliance between the LDP and Komeito.
The New Coalition and the Government’s Plans
The deal with Ishin was decisive for Takaichi’s election. The party, founded in Osaka in 2010, advocates a hardline agenda on issues such as immigration and national security. Among its proposals are limiting the number of foreign residents and restricting property purchases by foreign investors.
The party also shares Takaichi’s goal of revising the pacifist constitution and expanding Japan’s military capabilities in response to regional tensions, especially with China.
Formation of the New Cabinet
Shortly after the victory, the new Chief Cabinet Secretary, Minoru Kihara, announced the names of his cabinet members. Among the key ministers are:
• Toshimitsu Motegi , Foreign Affairs and Chief Trade Negotiator with the US
• Yoshimasa Hayashi , Internal Affairs and Communications
• Satsuki Katayama , Finance
• Ryosei Akazawa , Trade and Industry
• Shinjiro Koizumi , Defense
• Minoru Kiuchi , Economic Revitalization
• Kimi Onoda , Economic Security
Katayama’s selection as Finance Minister drew attention from markets, as the economist advocates greater intervention to stabilize the yen and bold economic stimulus measures.
Economy in Focus
Shunichi Suzuki, LDP secretary-general, said in an interview with NHK broadcaster that the immediate priority will be to curb rising prices:
Takaichi, for her part, advocates expansionist fiscal policies and greater government intervention in the Bank of Japan. The new prime minister has already declared her intention to launch an economic package accompanied by a supplementary budget.
Market and International Community Reactions
According to Reuters, Takaichi’s election brought relief to investors. The Nikkei index rose, hitting new records, while the dollar/yen exchange rate remained stable. Kerry Craig, strategist at JP Morgan Asset Management, assessed that the political change restores predictability to the country: “Japan appears to be on safer ground. Now we have the removal of that political uncertainty.”
The first official congratulations came from abroad. The US Ambassador to Tokyo, George Glass, congratulated the new leader in a message posted on the X network.
A Profile Inspired by Margaret Thatcher
The daughter of an automotive industry worker and a policeman, Sanae Takaichi has a distinguished career within Japan’s political elite. Former Minister of Economic Security and Internal Affairs, she frequently cites former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as an inspiration. “I admired her strength of character, her convictions, and, at the same time, her ‘warm femininity,’” said Takaichi, recalling her meeting with Thatcher shortly before her death in 2013.
Despite the reference to the “Iron Lady,” Takaichi adopts different positions on the economy: while Thatcher advocated austerity, the new Japanese prime minister bets on public spending and tax cuts to stimulate growth.
Source: brasil247.com