Tue Oct 01 03:45:20 UTC 2024: ## Shigeru Ishiba Set to Become Japan’s New Prime Minister, Calls for Snap Election

**Tokyo, Japan** – Shigeru Ishiba is poised to become Japan’s next Prime Minister following the resignation of Fumio Kishida and his Cabinet on Tuesday. Ishiba, who was elected leader of the governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Friday, is expected to be formally appointed Prime Minister later today.

Ishiba has announced his intention to hold a snap parliamentary election on October 27, seeking a public mandate for his policies. He expressed his belief that the new administration should face the people’s judgment swiftly. This move has drawn criticism from opposition parties who argue that the short timeframe does not allow for sufficient parliamentary debate on Ishiba’s plans.

Kishida’s resignation comes after a period marked by scandals that plagued his government. He served as Prime Minister since 2021.

Ishiba’s tenure as Prime Minister is expected to be marked by a shift in focus towards security. He has proposed the creation of an Asian version of NATO, emphasizing the need for greater regional collaboration and a more robust defense posture in response to growing threats from China, North Korea, and Russia.

He envisions this Asian alliance encompassing existing security groupings such as the Quad and other bilateral and multilateral frameworks involving the United States, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and the Philippines.

Ishiba has also suggested a more equal Japan-U.S. security alliance, including joint management of U.S. bases in Japan and the establishment of Japanese Self-Defense Force bases in the United States.

On the economic front, Ishiba has pledged to continue Kishida’s policies aimed at addressing Japan’s deflation and achieving real salary increases, while also tackling issues like the declining birthrate and population, and strengthening resilience against natural disasters.

Despite a strong base within the LDP, Ishiba’s lack of a stable power base could potentially lead to a fragile government, according to the Asahi newspaper. The newspaper suggests that his government could quickly collapse if he fails to build party unity.

Ishiba’s rise to power marks a potential turning point in Japanese politics, with his emphasis on security and a more assertive approach to regional affairs likely to shape Japan’s foreign policy in the years to come.

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