Ishiba Elected PM, Calls for October Election

Shigeru Ishiba has been formally anointed as Japan's new Prime Minister after winning a tight leadership contest within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Ishiba, a former defense minister, has called for a snap general election on October 27, seeking a mandate from the public to address various challenges including economic stagnation, demographic issues, and regional security concerns. He has appointed a cabinet comprising 19 ministers, including only two women, a decrease from his predecessor’s administration. Ishiba aims to foster a more balanced relationship with the United States and has proposed an Asian version of NATO to counter China's influence. His leadership style, marked by outspokenness and a history of failed leadership bids, positions him as a maverick within the party. His administration must tackle public discontent over corruption scandals and rising living costs while navigating a volatile security environment in East Asia.