Tokyo (TDI): Sanae Takaichi, a staunch conservative and long-time ally of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, is set to become Japan’s first woman PM after securing a decisive victory in the lower house of parliament on Tuesday.
Takaichi, who has often cited Britain’s Margaret Thatcher as an inspiration, won 237 votes in the 465-member chamber, comfortably gaining the majority required to lead the government.
Her election marks a historic first in Japan’s political landscape, where leadership roles have long been dominated by men. Yet it also signals a pronounced move to the right in national politics, reflecting the growing influence of conservative forces within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
The LDP, which has governed Japan for most of the postwar period, recently struck a coalition agreement with the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), ensuring Takaichi’s path to power. She is expected to be confirmed by the upper house later today and formally sworn in as the country’s 104th prime minister, succeeding Shigeru Ishiba, who stepped down last month following poor election results.
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While her rise is being described as a breakthrough for women in Japan, political analysts caution that it is unlikely to usher in progressive reform. Takaichi is known for her firm stances on immigration, national defense, and social policy, positions that align closely with the late Abe’s conservative vision.
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Japan, long plagued by deflation, is now facing mounting inflationary pressures that have angered voters and fueled support for populist groups, including the far-right Sanseito party. Takaichi’s leadership will be tested by how she manages these economic challenges while balancing calls for political change.
