Shigeru Ishiba elected as Japan's new PM after government resignation
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Both houses of the Japanese National Diet have voted on a new prime minister, with the head of government traditionally selected from party leaders by a majority vote.
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Shigeru Ishiba, center, after being elected as the new head of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) during the party's leadership election on September 27, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP)
Japanese lawmakers elected Shigeru Ishiba as the new prime minister, succeeding Fumio Kishida. Ishiba was chosen after the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior coalition partner, the Komeito Party, voted in favor of him following his victory in an intra-party leadership contest last week.
He garnered the support of 291 lawmakers out of 461 votes cast in the lower house of parliament.
Earlier today, the Japanese government fully resigned, as reported by the Kyodo news agency.
On October 4, the newly appointed prime minister and key ministers will deliver policy speeches to both houses of parliament. Debates are scheduled to begin on October 7, during which lawmakers will question the new cabinet members.
Additionally, the dissolution of the lower house of parliament is anticipated on October 9, with early general elections set for October 27.
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Former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba has been confirmed as Japan's next prime minister after winning the leadership vote of the ruling party last Friday, according to the official tally.
The 67-year-old train enthusiast defeated Sanae Takaichi, who would have been Japan's first female leader, by 215 votes to 194 in the runoff.
Upon announcing his victory at the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) headquarters in Tokyo, Ishiba smiled, removed his glasses to wipe away tears, and bowed repeatedly while being congratulated by his colleagues.
"I will do my utmost to believe in the people, to speak the truth with courage and sincerity, and to make this country a safe and secure place where everyone can live with a smile on their face once again," he said in a short speech.
