Shigeru Ishiba to become Japan’s next PM after winning governing party vote
Shigeru Ishiba, a former defense minister, has won the leadership election of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in a closely contested race, defeating Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi. This victory paves the way for Ishiba to become Japan’s next prime minister, replacing Fumio Kishida, who announced his resignation amid corruption scandals. Ishiba's victory came after a run-off election, with a final vote count of 215-194.
Key Election Outcomes:
- Shigeru Ishiba: A seasoned LDP veteran, Ishiba secured the leadership in his fifth attempt. He is popular among the public and is known for his stance on security and defense issues.
- Sanae Takaichi: Had she won, Takaichi would have become Japan’s first female prime minister. She is known for her right-wing views and hawkish policies.
Policy Focus: Ishiba’s campaign was heavily focused on national security, including calls for establishing an Asian-style NATO and greater oversight of U.S. military bases in Japan. His defense expertise positions him to address regional security threats, particularly concerning China, Russia, and North Korea. Additionally, he has vowed to combat deflation and revive the Japanese economy by promoting wage hikes and addressing rural depopulation. Ishiba also advocates for social reforms, pushing for more gender equality and diversity.
Challenges Ahead: As the new prime minister, Ishiba will face both domestic and international challenges. Domestically, he must stabilize the economy and pursue gender equality reforms. Internationally, he will need to navigate the increasing assertiveness of China and deepen Japan's defense ties, all while managing Japan's economic relationships.
Question: Who is the current PM of Japan?
- Shigeru Ishiba
- Sanae Takaichi
- Fumio Kishida
- Shinzo Abe
What’s the UN’s new ‘Pact for the Future’, and why did Russia oppose it?
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted the "Pact for the Future," aimed at making the UN more relevant and effective in addressing 21st-century challenges. Despite opposition from Russia, Iran, and five other nations, the pact was adopted after a two-day summit. The document focuses on enhancing multilateralism, addressing global issues such as climate change, human rights, and international conflicts, but it lacks concrete implementation details.
Key Objectives of the Pact:
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The pact commits to accelerating progress towards achieving the UN's SDGs, particularly in climate change, gender equality, and poverty reduction.
- Human Rights and Disarmament: It reaffirms commitments to human rights, gender equality, and nuclear disarmament, though with limited clarity on actionable steps.
- Global Cooperation: The pact advocates for fair multilateral systems, addressing global financing gaps, and revitalizing international institutions like the UN Security Council (UNSC).
Challenges and Criticisms:
- Vagueness: Critics argue that the pact is filled with lofty goals but lacks specific measures or realistic plans for implementation, especially regarding pressing global conflicts.
- Opposition: Russia and Iran, among others, opposed the document, criticizing it for ignoring their concerns and imposing Western ideals without proper negotiation. They also raised issues related to sovereignty and interference in domestic affairs.
- Global Representation: The pact touches on the need to address historical injustices, particularly regarding African representation in the UNSC, but offers no clear timeline or process for these reforms.
Question: What is UN Pact of Future 2024?
