Shigeru Ishiba Announces Key Cabinet Appointments

Shigeru Ishiba, Japan's newly elected prime minister, is prioritizing stability in his cabinet appointments, selecting experienced members from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). His key appointments include Katsunobu Kato as finance minister and former Defence Minister Takeshi Iwaya as foreign minister, aiming to navigate Japan's post-pandemic recovery and economic challenges. Ishiba's administration is also preparing for a possible snap election, with reports indicating the lower house may be dissolved on October 9 and elections held on October 27. In a recent interview, he emphasized the need for accommodative monetary policy to support economic growth. Additionally, Ishiba plans to appoint former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga as LDP vice president and Shinjiro Koizumi as LDP election chief, reflecting a strategy of uniting party factions. This leadership transition comes after a competitive race involving nine candidates, highlighting Ishiba's commitment to restoring public trust and reforming governance.