The Japanese ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), chose a new leader Shigeru Ishiba, who will be officially declared the Prime Minister by the Parliament in a few days, elected by LDP members in the Parliament and in local parties. He has served as Secretary General of the LDP for the last two years, and earlier as Defense Minister and Agriculture Minister.
His election was a bit of a surprise, as Sanae Takaichi was expected by many to be elected. Friends of the LaRouche Movement in Japan tell us that Takaichi lost the election largely because she was considered by many, especially in the local regions of Japan, to be too extreme in her opposition to China and her alignment with the U.S. effort to create an anti-China political alliance throughout Asia. They say that the direction that Ishiba will take will depend to some extent on his choices for his Cabinet, which will take place over the coming few days. It was announced today in the media that Ishiba will call a snap election for the lower house of Parliament, probably on Oct. 29, to establish a popular base for his administration.
