Ishiba noted the violation of Japanese airspace last month by Chinese and Russian warplanes. (Photo: Reuters)
Japan’s new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba opened his first policy speech in office on Friday by expressing deep regret over the ruling party finance scandal that plagued his predecessor.
Ishiba replaced Fumio Kishida on Tuesday in a major campaign to quickly quell public anger over financial mismanagement in the Liberal Democratic Party and gain support ahead of the October 27 parliamentary election.
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I will achieve a politics that is not for politicians but for the people, said Ishiba, promising to give honest explanations and to ensure that the lawmakers obey the laws.
He laid out five policy pillars that must be maintained, including security, economy and disaster response.
Ishiba said he would strengthen Japan’s military capabilities to defend itself against threats from China, Russia and North Korea under the framework of the Japan-US security alliance.
He did not mention the two goals he advocated before taking office to balance the Japan-US security alliance and establish a NATO-like joint defense system in Asia, apparently to avoid controversy before elections that the LDP should win.
Abandoning those goals also saves him from angering Washington, but may disappoint those who see him as willing to talk even at the risk of falling out with his party.
Ishiba noted last month’s violation of Japan’s airspace by Chinese and Russian warplanes as well as advancing missile technology and North Korean tests as examples of the dire security situation facing Japan and stressed the need to continue building up Japan’s military.
He said he will promote a strategic, mutually beneficial relationship with China and expand communication at all levels to build a stable and constructive relationship. He also said that he will further strengthen and expand the relationship between Japan and South Korea and the tripartite cooperation that Japan has with the United States.
He called the Japan-US security alliance the cornerstone of Japan’s diplomacy and security and the foundation of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and the international community.
Ishiba’s initial public support ratings as prime minister were around 50% or less, the lowest levels for a new leader, according to Japanese media.
Opposition leaders criticized him for rushing to hold elections after adding a new face and image to the party without tangible results. He plans to dissolve parliament next Wednesday for the Oct 27 election, which will allow just a few days for debate on his policies.
Regarding the economy, Ishiba said in his speech that he wants workers to have their salaries increased in a sustainable way that exceeds inflation, and he will encourage investment to create a good cycle of growth and distribution. He promised economic support for low-income families and measures to rehabilitate the region and deal with disasters.
Despite previously supporting the abolition of nuclear power following the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster, he pledged to increase the use of nuclear power and push for geothermal and other renewable sources to meet the growing electricity needs of data centers in the age of AI.
(Only the headline and image for this report may have been reused by Business Standard staff; other content is automatically generated from the trade feed.)
First published: October 04 2024 | 12:27 PM IST