Japan's ex-Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba is people's choice for next PM: Poll

Following Japan PM Shinzo Abe’s resignation last week, race to succeed him has kicked off. According to opinion polls conducted by Japanese media outlets, it is believed that former Japanese Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba is most popular choice among public to be next PM. As per reports, Ishiba has nearly 34 per cent of public’s support, which is more than double 14 per cent for Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, who is second-most popular choice. 

Ar opinion polls reportedly showed that Ishiba has 28 per cent support, followed by current Defence Minister Taro Ko with 15 per cent. Suga, on or hand, came in fourth place with 11 per cent. Ar potential candidate, LDP policy chief Fumio Kishida, reportedly came in last place in both of public opinion surveys. 

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Split between public opinion and LDP 

As per reports, surveys highlight a split between public opinion and internal Liberal Democratic Party politics. Suga, who has been a longtime lieutenant of Abe’s in a key supporting role, is expected to get backing of faction led by LPD Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai and or major factions, putting him in a favourable position. Ishiba, on or, might have to make an uphill battle as he has been a vocal Abe critic who unsuccessfully challenged out-going premier in last LPD leership race in 2018 and is considered less popular within party. 

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deputy director of Centre for Rule-Making Strategies at Tama University, Br Glosserman reportedly said that Suga was safe bet in terms of internal LPD dynamics. However, he also ded that it might t be ideal come election time. Glosserman said that Suga doesn’t seem to have eir charisma or vision to push Japan in a new direction. He seems to be eternal Number Two, who delivers promises me by his ‘boss’, ded Japanese official. 

Meanwhile, Japan’s longest-serving PM anunced his resignation during a press conference on Friday, August 28 citing a chronic health problem that has resurfaced. He also told reporters that it was “gut-wrenching” to have left a number of his goals unfinished. Abe reportedly h ulcerative colitis since he was a teenr and said that condition was in control with appropriate treatment. 

(Im: @AndyVermaut/Twitter)

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