In a significant political development, Sanae Takaichi, the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), is set to formalize an alliance with Hirofumi Yoshimura of the right-wing Nippon Ishin. The two leaders will sign a crucial agreement on Monday.
Following this, Nippon Ishin’s elected representatives are poised to cast their votes in favor of Takaichi as she vies for the position of the new prime minister on Tuesday. It’s worth noting, however, that the party has stated it will not be sending ministers to join the government in its initial formation, according to a report from Kyodo News.
Takaichi’s ascent to the prime ministership appeared assured after she was elected as the new LDP leader earlier this month. Yet, the political landscape shifted dramatically when the LDP’s longstanding coalition partner, Komeito, severed their 26-year alliance, throwing the country into a political crisis.
This upheaval left the LDP without a majority in the National Assembly, necessitating negotiations with other political factions. Should Takaichi’s election come to fruition, she would mark a historic milestone as Japan’s first female prime minister.
(© NTB)