Sanae Takaichi set to become Japan's first female PM
What's the story
Sanae Takaichi has been elected as the new leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), setting her up to become the country's first female prime minister, pending the parliamentary vote. The 64-year-old right-wing politician won a runoff election against moderate Shinjiro Koizumi by a narrow margin of 185 votes to 156. This victory comes after outgoing Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga resigned after a year in office.
Political outlook
Takaichi's ultra-conservative views
Takaichi is known for her ultra-conservative views and has been a staunch supporter of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's conservative vision. She admires Margaret Thatcher and has called for a stronger military, increased fiscal spending, nuclear fusion promotion, cybersecurity measures, and stricter immigration policies. Despite her commitment to increasing female representation in the Tokyo cabinet, she opposes same-sex marriage and reforms for male-only imperial succession.
Party dynamics
Significance of Takaichi's win
Takaichi's victory is significant in a country with few female politicians and business leaders. Women make up only about 15% of Japan's lower house. Her win comes after the LDP faced two difficult elections amid a funding scandal and cost-of-living issues. Her immediate task will be to unite the party and win back public support after recent scandals.
Controversial stance
Controversial views on gender equality and immigration
Despite her historic win, Takaichi's views on gender equality have raised eyebrows. She has opposed policies like allowing women to become reigning empresses and married couples to use separate surnames. On immigration, she called for a reconsideration of policies allowing people with different cultures and backgrounds during her campaign. Her hawkish foreign policy stance could also strain relations with the LDP's coalition partner Komeito party.