Sanae Takaichi, a hardline conservative, made history on Tuesday by becoming Japan’s first female prime minister. Takaichi, a follower of former prime minister Shinzo Abe and an admirer of Margaret Thatcher, secured 237 votes in the lower house election out of the 465-seat chamber to clinch the premiership.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Takaichi on social media, acknowledging her groundbreaking achievement. Takaichi’s victory is seen as a significant milestone in a country where male dominance has prevailed. The shift in leadership is expected to steer Japan towards a more right-leaning direction, particularly on issues related to immigration and social matters.
Takaichi’s ascent to power was made possible through a coalition agreement between her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party, also known as Ishin. Despite not having a majority in the lower house of the National Diet, Japan’s parliament, the coalition is poised to govern with a strategic alliance.
One of the key challenges facing Takaichi’s administration is addressing public discontent over escalating prices, which has fueled support for opposition groups. Similar to her predecessor, Shinzo Abe, Takaichi is likely to prioritize government spending to revitalize the economy, a strategy that has already influenced stock market trends.
In terms of policy focus, Takaichi emphasized the importance of defense and national security, pledging to enhance Japan’s military capabilities and strengthen alliances with the United States and other security partners. Additionally, she advocates for revisions to Japan’s pacifist constitution and holds traditional views on issues such as same-sex marriage and surname regulations for married couples.
Takaichi’s cabinet appointments include two women, Satsuki Katayama as finance minister and Kimi Onoda as economic security minister, marking a positive step towards gender diversity in Japan’s government. Katayama, a former Finance Ministry official with expertise in fiscal matters, is known for her assertive decision-making style and diplomatic skills in currency affairs.
Overall, Takaichi’s premiership signals a new era in Japanese politics, with a focus on conservative values and economic recovery strategies to address the nation’s current challenges.