Proponent of 'Asian NATO' Elected as Japanese Prime Minister
Shigeru Ishiba is often characterized as a “lone wolf” and an advocate for an “Asian NATO.” Read the full article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Shigeru Ishiba has been elected as Japan's new prime minister, succeeding Fumio Kishida, who faced criticism over his management of corruption scandals and low approval ratings. Ishiba, a former defense minister, emerged victorious in an election held within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
At 67 years old, Ishiba has held positions as both defense and agriculture minister during the 2000s. His recent election marks his fifth attempt to lead the party, culminating in a runoff victory of 215 votes to 194 after competing against eight other candidates in the initial round.
Post-election, Ishiba expressed his intention for the party to "be reborn and regain the trust of the people." He is committed to addressing high inflation and achieving “growth in real wages.” Additionally, he advocates for Japan, a critical US ally, to take the lead in establishing an Asian version of NATO to address potential threats from China and North Korea.
Described as a progressive as well as "an outlier" and "lone wolf," Ishiba has demonstrated a willingness to challenge his own party, which has earned him both adversaries and supporters within the grassroots.
He has openly criticized Japan’s policies related to nuclear energy and the restriction on married couples using separate surnames. Moreover, he was a vocal critic of Kishida's approach to the party's corruption controversy earlier this year.
This situation was a significant factor in Kishida's decision in August not to pursue re-election. The former premier experienced a dramatic decline in approval ratings last fall following a scandal alleging that the Liberal Democratic Party had raised undeclared political funds through sales of tickets for party events. While Kishida was not directly implicated, he faced backlash for his inability to control his party members.
Mark B Thomas contributed to this report for TROIB News
At 67 years old, Ishiba has held positions as both defense and agriculture minister during the 2000s. His recent election marks his fifth attempt to lead the party, culminating in a runoff victory of 215 votes to 194 after competing against eight other candidates in the initial round.
Post-election, Ishiba expressed his intention for the party to "be reborn and regain the trust of the people." He is committed to addressing high inflation and achieving “growth in real wages.” Additionally, he advocates for Japan, a critical US ally, to take the lead in establishing an Asian version of NATO to address potential threats from China and North Korea.
Described as a progressive as well as "an outlier" and "lone wolf," Ishiba has demonstrated a willingness to challenge his own party, which has earned him both adversaries and supporters within the grassroots.
He has openly criticized Japan’s policies related to nuclear energy and the restriction on married couples using separate surnames. Moreover, he was a vocal critic of Kishida's approach to the party's corruption controversy earlier this year.
This situation was a significant factor in Kishida's decision in August not to pursue re-election. The former premier experienced a dramatic decline in approval ratings last fall following a scandal alleging that the Liberal Democratic Party had raised undeclared political funds through sales of tickets for party events. While Kishida was not directly implicated, he faced backlash for his inability to control his party members.
Mark B Thomas contributed to this report for TROIB News
