Briefing - Takaichi Sanae: Japan's first female prime minister - 23-10-2025
newsare.net
In October 2025, for the first time in its history, Japan elected a female prime minister. Takaichi Sanae won the race for the leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and was later elected by both chambers of the National Diet (Japan's parliament). SBriefing - Takaichi Sanae: Japan's first female prime minister - 23-10-2025
In October 2025, for the first time in its history, Japan elected a female prime minister. Takaichi Sanae won the race for the leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and was later elected by both chambers of the National Diet (Japan's parliament). She will lead a minority government, formed in a new coalition with the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party (Nippon Ishin no Kai), after Kōmeitō ended its 26-year alliance with the LDP. Takaichi, known for her hardline stance, will face numerous challenges in her new role. She must focus on rebuilding public trust in politics, especially after her party's involvement in a slush-fund scandal, and navigate a fractured political landscape to pass crucial legislation. The government must address the Japanese public's main concerns, such as inflation and declining real wages. The task is complicated by modest growth (about 1 % of GDP) and high gross government debt (about 230 % of GDP), all against the backdrop of acute demographic crisis. Takaichi aims to implement an expansionary fiscal policy and limit the Bank of Japan's autonomy on monetary policy. Japan currently finds itself in a complex geopolitical environment, surrounded by authoritarian and nuclear-armed neighbours. The United States (US) – Japan alliance remains a cornerstone of Tokyo's foreign policy, but it has faced challenges under US President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to visit Japan in late October 2025. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP Read more
