Japan's New Leadership: Ishiba's Veteran Team Signals Stability

Japan's incoming Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, has opted for continuity by appointing seasoned veterans from his ruling Liberal Democratic Party to key government posts. His choices suggest a focus on stability and experienced leadership. Ishiba won the LDP leadership race among nine candidates and will form his government soon.

Japan's incoming prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, signaled continuity in his early decisions on key government posts this weekend, suggesting a desire for stability after an unpredictable leadership race.

Ishiba made selections for finance, defense, and foreign minister, as well as the pivotal role of chief cabinet secretary, drawing on seasoned veterans from his ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Ishiba, 67, achieved victory in the LDP leadership race on Friday, clinching a win after a contest among an unprecedentedly large field of nine candidates.

Sources indicate Ishiba will name former Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya as foreign minister and retain Yoshimasa Hayashi as chief cabinet secretary. Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato will be finance minister, while Gen Nakatani will return as defense minister. Ryosei Akazawa will be minister of economic revitalization. Ishiba also plans to appoint former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga as vice president of the LDP and Shinjiro Koizumi as LDP election chief. Ishiba hinted at a potential snap election in the near future and emphasized maintaining an accommodative monetary policy to support economic recovery.

(With inputs from agencies.)