Japan’s new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba faces a tough challenge: regaining public trust after a scandal-plagued predecessor.
Japan’s new leader, Shigeru Ishiba, kicked things off by focusing on winning back the public’s trust after the mess left by his predecessor’s shady fund scandal.
His first big speech was all about getting people to believe in him again, especially since the big election on October 27th was just around the corner.
Even though he was trying to be friendly, Ishiba didn’t want to stir up any trouble with his own party or with the US by going too hard on his ideas for a fairer US-Japan security deal or a group of countries that could look like NATO.
He probably didn’t want to split his party or upset Washington.
But, he still made it clear he was going to beef up Japan’s military because of the growing threats from China, Russia, and North Korea.
He put a big emphasis on making Japan’s friendship with the US the main thing for keeping the region stable.
But, he also wanted to keep a good relationship with China, showing he’s trying to be tricky with his foreign policy. Ishiba also wanted to get closer to South Korea and work together with the US more.
Japan's new leader expresses regret for governing party slush fund scandal, vows stronger defense https://t.co/wRO1JZa7vH
— WRAL NEWS in NC (@WRAL) October 4, 2024
People are pretty skeptical about Ishiba right now, thinking the LDP might not really be able to make any big changes.
They’re pointing out that he was just picked to lead right after the election, which seems like he’s more about looking good than actually doing stuff.
His plans for the economy, include making sure people get better pay and more investment in growing the economy, but also wants to use more nuclear power, which is a big change from what he used to say.
The big goal to make the economy grow, help people, and also focus on renewable energy is going to be a big test for him to bring his party together and win over skeptical people.