Image Credit: CNA
Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi announced his candidacy for the LDP presidential election at a press conference on the afternoon of September 4, according to a report by the Japan Broadcasting Association (NHK). Motegi’s decision comes amid a backdrop of economic challenges and party scandals, setting the stage for a closely watched leadership race.
Motegi outlined his vision for the LDP’s future, emphasizing the need to unite the party and deliver results. He highlighted a “zero tax increase” policy as a key economic initiative, suggesting that the leader and the prime minister would be held accountable if goals were not met within three years. His stance aims to address Japan’s fiscal challenges without burdening citizens with additional taxes, a move likely to resonate with voters wary of economic uncertainty.
Addressing the recent black money scandal that has cast a shadow over the LDP, Motegi committed to political and party reforms, including a proposal to abolish “policy activity fees” paid to parliament members and initiate legal changes to tax political funding parties’ income. His reform agenda reflects a broader push to restore public trust in the party following recent controversies.
Motegi, 68, is a seasoned politician with a long career in Japanese politics, having held key positions such as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. He was first elected to Parliament in 1993 and has served as LDP Secretary-General since 2021. His academic background includes a degree from the University of Tokyo, where his early interests lay in world history and archaeology.
The LDP presidential election will be officially announced on September 12, with results expected on September 27. As current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has confirmed he will not seek re-election, the newly elected LDP president is set to become Japan’s next prime minister.