Japan’s incoming prime minister Ishiba Shigeru has been preparing the ground for his new administration.
Since Ishiba was elected president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Friday, he has been picking top officials of the party, as well as members of his Cabinet.
Ishiba plans to reveal his new executive lineup on Monday and his Cabinet the following day.
Ishiba has chosen General Council Chairperson Moriyama Hiroshi as Secretary-General. He’s apparently counting on Moriyama’s network of connections and political expertise to build a united party.
Ishiba also intends to ask Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa to remain in his post. Hayashi finished fourth in the first round of the presidential vote.
Koizumi Shinjiro, another leadership contender, is all but certain to be appointed chair of the party’s Election Strategy Committee.
Ishiba said “there will be a national election within a year. We will help each other and work together for Japan. I will devote my entire being to maintaining this administration.”
Meanwhile, Ishiba attended the leadership convention of the LDP’s coalition partner, Komeito. The party has elected Ishii Keiichi as Chief Representative. He is Komeito’s first new leader in 15 years.
Ishii said “the top priority is to restore people’s trust in politics. We are determined to continue participating in the coalition government, and devote all our efforts to political reforms and the realization of policies that prioritize the people.”
On the opposition side, Constitutional Democratic Party leader Noda Yoshihiko has suggested Ishiba may be moving too quickly toward a general election.
Ishiba has said he will dissolve the Lower House as soon as possible following Diet debates between the ruling and opposition parties.
Noda said “if these debates are no more than, for example, half-day budget committee meetings, or debates that are only between party leaders, these should not be considered sufficient Diet debates. More thorough discussions will be necessary as a basis for seeking the people’s mandate.”