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 the formation of a new coalition with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party (Ishin). The vote took place just days after the resignation of Shigeru Ishiba, who left the post of prime minister.
With 237 votes, Takaichi surpassed the necessary majority in the Lower House and is expected to be confirmed in the Upper House as well. Her rise breaks a decades-old taboo in a country where politics remains dominated by men. In addition to symbolizing a gender advance, her victory consolidates a conservative shift in Tokyo, with direct repercussions both on domestic policy and on Japan’s international relations, highlights a Reuters report.
Takaichi’s victory represents a rightward shift in Japanese politics and consolidates Ishin’s presence in power after the breakdown of the old alliance between the LDP and the Komeito.
The new coalition and government plans
The agreement with Ishin was decisive for Takaichi’s election. The party, founded in Osaka in 2010, advocates a hardline agenda on issues like immigration and national security. Among the proposals are limiting the number of foreign residents and restricting property purchases by investors from outside the country.
The party also shares with Takaichi the goal of revising the pacifist constitution, expanding Japanese 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 that will compose the government team. Among the main ministers are:
• Toshimitsu Motegi, Foreign Affairs and main 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
The choice of Katayama for the Ministry of Finance drew attention from the markets, as the economist advocates greater intervention to stabilize the yen and bold economic stimulus measures.
Economy in focus
Shunichi Suzuki, LDP Secretary-General, stated in an interview with NHK broadcaster that the immediate priority will be to curb rising prices:
Takaichi, in turn, is a proponent of expansionary fiscal policies and greater state intervention over the Bank of Japan. The new prime minister has already declared her intention to launch an economic package accompanied by a supplementary budget.
Market reactions and the international community
According to Reuters, Takaichi’s election brought relief to investors. The Nikkei index advanced and renewed 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 seems to be on safer ground. Now we have the removal of that political uncertainty.”
From abroad, the first official congratulations arrived. The US Ambassador to Tokyo, George Glass, congratulated the new leader in a message published on the X network.
A profile inspired by Margaret Thatcher
Daughter of an automotive industry worker and a policewoman, Sanae Takaichi has a trajectory distinct from the Japanese political elite. Former Minister of Economic Security and Internal Affairs, she often 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 the meeting she had 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