Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reshuffled Japan’s Cabinet and party leadership on September 13. The prime minister hopes to boost his sagging approval ratings before he unveils a comprehensive economic policy package and kicks of the autumn Diet session in mid-October.
Kishida eschewed any major changes to the foundations of power within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) ahead of next year’s party presidential election, retaining key faction leaders Toshimitsu Motegi and Taro Aso as LDP Secretary-General and Vice President, respectively. Kishida also resolidifed the LDP’s ties to coalition partner Komeito and retained a Komeito legislator in his Cabinet.
The reshuffle brought 13 new faces into the Cabinet, including 5 women and 11 first-time ministers. Still, the new ministers are for the most part experienced politicians known to the public, which may boost public confidence in their abilities.
Media
Commentary
Kishida Refurbishes His Cabinet
Overview
Listen on:
Related Posts
Jennifer Lee in Financial Times on the ROK investment announcement
Han in The Guardian: Foie gras, live dolphins and toasters: China and US cut reciprocal tariffs on $30bn each of goods
Colonel (Ret.) Shailender S. Arya in Mint on India’s surveillance satellite program
George Chen in CNN International on the growing U.S.-China AI competition