Japan's Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, on Thursday sought to revive her declining public support by reshuffling her cabinet, retaining several key ministers in the process.
Efforts to Improve Political Standing
This cabinet reshuffle is Takaichi's first action since she took office as the first woman in modern Japanese history last October. With these changes, she aims to restore balance of power within the Liberal Democratic Party and respond to public needs. Takaichi, who enjoyed high support for a time, has faced declining popularity due to policies such as enforcing male-only succession laws in the imperial family.
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Retention of Key Ministers
Takaichi has retained key ministers such as Shinjiro Koizumi, Minister of Defense, and Toshimitsu Motegi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, to maintain continuity in Japan's key policies and good relations with Washington. These two ministers are major rivals of Takaichi within the party, and keeping them is seen as a strategy to control their influence. Additionally, Satsuki Katayama, Minister of Finance and a close advisor to Takaichi, and Minoru Kyuuchi, Minister of Economy and Fiscal Policy, also remain in the cabinet.
In line with improving relations with Washington, Takaichi is also planning to meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the United Nations General Assembly in New York later this month, although reports indicate uncertainty regarding this meeting.
Economic and Security Challenges
Takaichi's government is looking to revise security and defense documents by the end of this year to enhance Japan's offensive capabilities against threats from China, North Korea, and Russia. The country is also facing U.S. demands to increase defense spending, which could reach 3.5% of GDP.
To address rising prices, Takaichi has proposed a two-year reduction in the consumption tax from 8% to 1%, but this plan may face challenges in parliament due to a lack of funding details. Additionally, the victory of Genta Koja, a new conservative figure in the Okinawa gubernatorial election, is expected to promote military strengthening in Japan's southern islands.
Takaichi has changed 10 out of 18 ministers, including Hiroshi Nakatsuka from the Japan Innovation Party, who has been appointed as Minister of Administrative Reform and Child Policies. Kazuo Yana has replaced Norikazu Suzuki as Minister of Agriculture, despite allegations related to a financial scandal. The Minister of Internal Affairs, Yoshimasa Hayashi, a rival of Takaichi within the party, has been replaced by Hisayuki Fuji.
Takaichi is striving to maintain stability in her cabinet while addressing the economic and political challenges and responding to the needs of the people.
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Source: abcnews.com
