The press conference took place mid-flight on the Airbus A350-900, approximately 10 kilometers above ground. The atmosphere on the plane was charged with activity as Vatican-accredited media personnel prepared for the session, deploying audio equipment to ensure clear communication despite the aircraft’s noise.
The street speeches provided a platform for the candidates to address voters in a more personal and informal setting. Each candidate took turns speaking from a makeshift stage set up in a bustling area of Nagoya, aiming to capture the attention of passersby and make a direct appeal to the electorate.
In the wake of accusations of power harassment, all 86 members of the Hyogo Prefectural Assembly have called for Saito’s resignation. Should he refuse to step down, a no-confidence motion is set to be submitted by all five assembly factions and independent members on September 19, the opening day of the regular assembly session.
Previously, at her candidacy press conference on September 9, Takaichi had been non-specific about her intentions regarding Yasukuni Shrine. At that time, she had only indicated a general desire to honor those who died for national policy. Today’s statement represents a clear and unambiguous commitment to visiting the controversial shrine, a site known for its historical and political sensitivities.
The candidates' strategies became evident during the session of LDP election, particularly in how they interacted with former Secretary-General Shigeru Ishiba and former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. Both Ishiba and Koizumi, who have been prominent in opinion polls, were each nominated three times by their peers, signaling their strong positions in the race.
According to local authorities, the veteran was walking through a crowded park when he was approached by the assailant. The assailant, who was wearing a Palestinian flag, began shouting anti-Israel slogans and threatening the veteran. The veteran, who is a member of a pro-Israel organization, responded by drawing his firearm and shooting the assailant.
In a related development, a letter purportedly from Hamas leader Yehya Sinwar was sent to Hezbollah's leader, expressing gratitude for his support and solidarity. This communication highlights the coordination and mutual support among militant groups in the region.
Chia highlighted that recent economic indicators have shown growth trending towards the upper end of this range, and he expects the final figure for the year to fall squarely within it. His comments followed a report from private-sector economists, who recently revised their GDP growth forecast for 2024 up to 2.6%, an increase from the previous 2.4% projection made in an MAS survey in June.
Market sentiment has been shifting as traders anticipate the outcome of the upcoming Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, scheduled for September 17th and 18th. There is considerable debate over whether the Federal Reserve will implement a 25 basis point (bp) or a more substantial 50 bp rate cut. Currently, the market is pricing in a rate cut of approximately 34 bp, up from 26 bp on September 11th, reflecting heightened expectations of a more aggressive reduction.
During the second week, the yen appreciated amid expectations of a domestic interest rate hike, which led to a decline in Japanese stocks. The Tokyo Stock Price Index (TOPIX) fell by 1% over the week. Market participants are expected to remain cautious in the first half of the third week as they monitor currency fluctuations.
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