Japan's ruling party elects its first woman as leader
發佈日期: 2025-10-04 20:33
TVB News
Japan's ruling party has elected former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi as its new leader.
She is likely to become the country's first female prime minister as the party remains by far the largest in the lower house of parliament which determines the national leader.
In a country that ranks poorly internationally for gender equality, Takaichi makes history as the likely first woman to lead Japan.
She is one of the most conservative members of the male-dominated Liberal Democratic Party.
An admirer of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi is a protege of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's ultra-conservative vision.
She is a regular at the Yasukuni war Shrine, which could complicate Tokyo's relations with China.
Takaichi beat Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in a runoff.
Takaichi replaces Shigeru Ishiba, as the party hopes to regain public support and stay in power after losses at the polls.
She is set to become Japan's next leader because the party remains by far the largest in the lower house of parliament, which determines the national leader.
As the results were announced, Takaichi stood up and bowed to fellow party members.
"I made history for the LDP," she said thanking those who supported her.
In her policy speech early in the campaign, vowing to drastically increase female ministers in her government.
Experts say she may have to show loyalty to influential male heavyweights.
