Who is Shigeru Ishiba? Japan’s Former Defence Minister Set to Become New Prime Minister After Winning LDP Leadership

Mumbai, September 27: Shigeru Ishiba, the former defence minister, is set to become the new prime minister of Japan after winning the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership election on Friday, September by securing 215 votes. Shigeru Ishiba defeated Sanae Takaichi by 21 votes to become the new prime minister of Japan.

Fumio Kishida, Japan's Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has stepped down after a term marked by several high-profile scandals, which eroded public trust and weakened his political standing. Shigeru Ishida is expected to succeed him as prime minister when Parliament reconvenes in October. Shigeru Ishiba Set to Become Next PM of Japan After Winning Party Vote, Former Defence Minister to Succeed Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

All About Shigeru Ishiba

Shigeru Ishida, born on February 4, 1957, to a government official father and teacher mother, grew up in Tottori prefecture. After studying law at Keio University, he worked at Mitsui Bank until 1983, when he transitioned into politics. Shigeru Ishiba To Become Japan’s Next Prime Minister, Will Succeed Fumio Kishida.

In 1986, Shigeru Ishida became the youngest member of the House of Representatives, representing Tottori prefecture for the LDP. Despite his success, he was often sidelined due to disagreements with the party. This was his fifth attempt to lead the influential LDP, having previously served as defence minister.

Shigeru Ishiba was appointed Japan's Minister of Defense in Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's cabinet in 2007, serving until August 2008. He publicly expressed his belief in UFOs and appeared on a TV program discussing it in 2012. After Fukuda's resignation, Ishiba ran for LDP leadership in 2008 but finished last. He was later appointed Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in Tarō Asō's cabinet.

Shigeru Ishiba launched his own faction, Suigetsukai, in 2015, aiming to succeed Shinzo Abe as prime minister. However, with only 19 members, he lacked the votes for LDP leadership. After leaving the cabinet in 2016, Ishiba challenged Abe in the 2018 LDP election but lost. He ran again in 2020, finishing third behind Yoshihide Suga. In 2021, Ishiba chose not to run, endorsing Taro Kono instead.

According to a report by the US Daily, Shigeru Ishiba is a strong advocate for Taiwanese democracy and has suggested forming an "Asian NATO" to address security threats from China and North Korea. Known for his expertise in defence policy, Ishiba's proposal for an Asian NATO has been met with scepticism from various observers in Washington.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 27, 2024 02:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).