Former Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Saturday he would run in the ruling party’s presidential election in September, his fifth attempt to take over the leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party and the country.
Ishiba, 67, known as a policy expert on security, agriculture and regional revitalization, lost to Shinzo Abe and Yoshihide Suga in recent party elections but did not run again in 2021 when Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was elected LDP chairman.
The former banker-turned-politician has said the Sept. 27 election campaign will be his “final battle” and the “culmination” of his 38-year political career. Digital Minister Taro Kono, 61, whom Ishiba supported in the last election, is expected to announce his intention to run again on Monday.
Former Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba shakes hands with a supporter in Tottori Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 24, 2024. (Kyodo)
The next LDP leader will almost certainly become prime minister, as both houses of parliament are controlled by the party and its smaller coalition partner Komeito.
Kishida has decided not to seek re-election when his three-year term ends in September, reeling from low approval ratings for his cabinet following a slush fund scandal in the ruling party, revelations of links between LDP politicians and the controversial Unification Church religious group, and the cost of living crisis.
Ishiba, who also previously served as secretary general of the LDP, is leading opinion polls for the Japanese presidential election but is struggling to build his support base within the ruling party.
Ishiba has been vocal in his criticism of Abe, post-war Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, on economic policy issues and has called for greater efforts to revitalize regional economies.
Candidates wishing to run in the LDP presidential election need the support of at least 20 LDP members of parliament.
About 10 LDP lawmakers are expected to run for the party chairmanship. Former environment minister Shinjiro Koizumi, 43, who like Ishiba is a popular favorite, is expected to announce his candidacy next week.
Among those also expected to throw their hats in the ring are 63-year-old Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi and 63-year-old Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, who had close ties to Abe.
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