Japan's Fumio Kishida re-elected as Prime Minister with huge margin

On Wednesday, 10 November Fumio Kishida was re-elected as Japan's Prime Minister after his ruling party won a huge victory in crucial legislative elections. Kishida, who was elected by parliament a little over a month ago, called a snap election in which his ruling party won 261 seats in 465-member lower house, more powerful of Japan's two-chamber legislature, giving him a free hand in pushing legislation through parliament, reported AP.  victory on 31 October strengned his grip on power and was viewed as a mandate from voters for his newly formed ministration to dress pandemic-ravaged economy, virus measures, and or issues. According to Kishida, results show that voters prefer stability over change. 

Kishida will be forming his second Cabinet later in day (10 November), maintaining all but one of ministers he appointed when he took office on 4 October. Furr, he is expected to hold a press conference where PM will be outlining his economic goals and or major policies, reported AP. A month ago, Liberal Democrats nominated Kishida as a safe, conservative candidate. y expected significant electoral losses if unpopular former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga remained in office. Notably, Suga resigned after only a year in office, after he drew heavy criticism for mishandling COVID-19 pandemic and conducting Tokyo Olympics despite fears of a virus outbreak. 

Kishida's hold on power to be bolstered by his Cabinet shuffle

It should be mentioned here that better-than-expected election results may provide Kishida's government with more power and time to implement campaign promises such as COVID-19 control, economic regeneration, and strengning Japan's defence capability. Meanwhile, Kishida's hold on power may be bolstered by his Cabinet shuffle. Former Education Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, a major policy specialist from his party, will be new Foreign Minister, while former Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi will be promoted to governing party's No. 2 position. 

Kishida's primary post-election responsibility is to put toger a big economic stimulus package of approximately 30 trillion yen, which will be announced next week. He also intends to pass an ditional budget to fund projects by end of year. As a former foreign minister, Kishida is also expected to continue to prioritise Japan-US security alliance and push a vision of a "free and open Indo-Pacific" with or democracies, especially Qu discussion members US, Australia, and India. Concerns over China's expanding power and influence, as well as North Korea's missile and nuclear threats, have prompted Kishida to emphasise significance of a stronger military.

(With inputs from AP)

Image: AP