TOKYO, Oct 01 (AP): Japan's parliament elected Shigeru Ishiba as the new prime minister on Tuesday, tasked with addressing public outrage over his governing party's corruption scandals ahead of a parliamentary election later this month, while trying to boost the economy and tackle security challenges from China and North Korea.
Ishiba replaces Fumio Kishida, who stepped down earlier Tuesday to pave the way for a fresh leader after Kishida's government was dogged by scandals.
Ishiba entered the Prime Minister's Office and formed his Cabinet, which includes several security and defense experts, as he has called for a stronger regional military alliance and a more equal Japan-U.S. security partnership.
Ishiba will hold a news conference later Tuesday to announce his Cabinet and some of his policy priorities.
Ishiba said he plans to call a parliamentary election for Oct. 27 so his new administration can have "the people's judgement" as soon as possible.
Ishiba appointed to his Cabinet two former defense ministers with whom he has worked closely - Takeshi Iwaya as foreign minister and Gen Nakatani as defense chief - underscoring his emphasis on defense and security policies.
Japan's new PM forms Cabinet
Calls for a stronger regional military alliance
FE Team | Published: October 01, 2024 22:07:37
Japan's new PM forms Cabinet
Share if you like