Sanae Takaichi becomes Japan’s first female prime minister — pledges to tackle rising prices and strengthen national defense
Sanae Takaichi becomes Japan’s first female prime minister, vowing to tackle economic challenges while continuing Shinzo Abe’s conservative policies.
Sanae Takaichi becomes Japan’s first female prime minister — pledges to tackle rising prices and strengthen national defense
Japan made history as Sanae Takaichi became the nation’s first female prime minister, following a tense political transition. Takaichi, an ultraconservative and close ally of former PM Shinzo Abe, secured 237 votes in parliament to replace Shigeru Ishiba after months of political uncertainty.
Her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) struck a coalition with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party, shifting Japan’s politics further to the right after parting ways with its longtime centrist partner Komeito.
At 64, Takaichi faces immediate challenges — tackling rising prices, stabilizing the economy, and maintaining Japan’s global relations amid growing regional tensions. Despite breaking a major gender barrier, she remains opposed to same-sex marriage and women’s empowerment reforms.
Analysts see her leadership as a continuation of Abe’s nationalist agenda, including a push for a stronger military and a potential revision of Japan’s pacifist constitution.
(AP)
