Takayuki Kobayashi (49), a former member of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, declared on Wednesday that he would run for president of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) for the first time among major candidates. The LDP is scheduled to hold a presidential election on April 27 to select a successor to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Currently, leading candidates in the party, including Shigeru Ishiba (67), former secretary general of the Liberal Democratic Party, are also preparing to announce their candidacy one after another. Within the Liberal Democratic Party, which does not have a clear “first round,” voices are gaining momentum that a young figure who will lead the party’s reform should be put forward to boost its approval rating, which has fallen due to the factional slush fund scandal.
Former Economic and Security Minister Kobayashi said at a press conference on the same day, “I will show the party and the people how the Liberal Democratic Party is reborn.” More than 20 lawmakers, mainly young lawmakers, attended the press conference to show off their power.
In order to run for president, more than 20 lawmakers must be nominated. Some candidates are struggling to find a candidate, but he was the first to vote, securing a candidate.
Born in November 1974, he was the first four-term lawmaker to wear the badge in 2012. He has yet to celebrate his 50th birthday in the Liberal Democratic Party, which is full of lawmakers for around 10 terms, and is classified as a “young young man” in that he is elected for the fourth term.
He worked for the Finance Ministry, which manages state coffers, and worked for the finance ministry. He is also an elite man with experience working for the Japanese Embassy in the U.S.
When former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe took power for the second time in late 2012, the Liberal Democratic Party calls a number of young lawmakers who entered the National Assembly “Abe Kids.” Former Economic and Security Minister Kobayashi is the leader of the Abe Kids.
If factions within his party had strong influence as in the past, his bid for prime minister would not have been easy due to his age, experience and lack of nomination. It is different now. Not only young lawmakers but also conservative lawmakers who have lost their focal point and are supporting Abe since his sudden death.
Former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (43), son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, is also likely to run for office. The party is highly recognized and has been supported by former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. With names of former Economic and Security Minister Kobayashi and former Environment Minister Koizumi mentioned, the party’s “younger flag bearer” is gaining momentum.
Ishiba is expected to announce his candidacy in Tottori Prefecture as early as this week, major media reported. The general public’s support is so high that he is a regular first in various opinion polls asking about the next prime minister.
However, it is known that there are many resistance among conservatives within the party. In the election of the Liberal Democratic Party, the coalition between factions within the party often determines the winner of the election.
Takaichi Sanae, 63, a right-wing minister for economic security, said on social media, “I am determined to take charge of national management.” Yoko Kamikawa, 71, a foreign minister, also said, “I am preparing to run. I am encouraged by many people.” Kamikawa, a member of the Kishida faction before Kishida disbanded his faction, reportedly called Kishida himself to express his intention to run.
In addition, Ken Saito (65), Minister of Economy and Industry, Yoshimasa Hayashi (63), Chief Cabinet Secretary Seiko Noda (63), former Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato (68), and Toshimitsu Motegi (68) are also rushing to prepare for the candidacy.
Public broadcaster NHK said that there are 11 lawmakers of the Liberal Democratic Party who are expected to run for the election. Most of the factions have been disbanded and traffic is not organized as in the past. Regarding the current election campaign, one lawmaker said, “It is like a battle row (a professional wrestling method in which multiple players fight in one ring at the same time).”
SOPHIA KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
