Stability and Continuity: Shigeru Ishiba Sets Course for Japan

Shigeru Ishiba, Japan's new prime minister, is focusing on stability by appointing experienced veterans to key government positions. Former chiefs Katsunobu Kato and Gen Nakatani will return to finance and defence roles. Ishiba hints at a possible snap election. His fiscal policy remains accommodative, aiming for economic recovery.

Japan's incoming prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, signaled continuity this weekend in his early decisions on key government positions, highlighting his focus on stability after an unpredictable leadership race.

Ishiba's appointments for finance, defense, and foreign ministers, as well as chief cabinet secretary, draw from seasoned veterans within the Liberal Democratic Party. The 67-year-old leader clinched the LDP leadership last Friday after a heated race among nine contenders.

In a televised interview, Ishiba suggested he may consider calling a snap election as early as October, with media reports pointing to October 27 as a possible date. His cabinet will include former Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato as finance minister and Gen Nakatani as defense minister. Takeshi Iwaya will take up the foreign minister role while Yoshimasa Hayashi will remain chief cabinet secretary. These selections point to a government poised for economic recovery and political stability.

(With inputs from agencies.)