Toshimitsu Motegi Announces Candidacy for LDP Leadership
Toshimitsu Motegi, the secretary general of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has announced his candidacy for the party leadership election in late September. This election will determine the successor to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Motegi, 68, is a key supporter of Kishida and has held several key government positions, including foreign and industry minister. He is seen as one of the leading candidates to succeed Kishida as LDP president and, consequently, as prime minister.
This will be Motegi's first bid for the party leadership. He is the first sitting LDP executive to enter the race, which is expected to see a record seven or more candidates.
The LDP faces the urgent need to win back trust from voters in the wake of a political funds scandal, which has prompted the party's factions, including one led by Motegi, to disband.
Other Candidates Emerge
Yoshimasa Hayashi: Chief Cabinet Secretary and former defense, foreign, agriculture, and education minister.
Digital Minister and a political maverick who was defeated by Kishida in the previous election in 2021.
Former Environment Minister and a rising star in the LDP.
Former Defense Minister and a veteran politician making his fifth bid for the LDP leadership.
Former economic security minister.
Former economic security minister.
The LDP leadership election is expected to be a closely contested race, with several strong candidates vying for the top position. The outcome of the election will have significant implications for Japan's political landscape and its future direction.