Maehara sets eyes on becoming Japan's PM
Source: Agencies |
August 23, 2011, Tuesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
FORMER Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara is likely to declare himself a prime ministerial candidate, according to the Jiji news agency, clouding the chances of Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda, who had hoped to win Maehara's support.
Unpopular Prime Minister Naoto Kan is this week expected to confirm his intention to resign, clearing the way for Japan to select its sixth prime minister since Junichiro Koizumi ended a rare five-year term in 2006.
Japan's new leader must grapple with a resurgent yen, push ahead with efforts to rebuild after the March earthquake and tsunami, and end a radiation crisis at the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant. All this while working out how to curb a huge public debt and cure the ills of a fast-ageing population.
Jiji reported: "Maehara has begun final coordination in preparation to run."
Noda, a 54-year-old fiscal conservative, had hoped to win the backing of Maehara, 49, the most popular of potential candidates among voters in recent polls.
"This changes the dynamic completely, although it does not give you the answer to who will win," Chuo University political science professor Steven Reed said.
At least five other Democratic Party lawmakers are eyeing the job. The new party leader will become prime minister by virtue of the party's majority in parliament.
Unpopular Prime Minister Naoto Kan is this week expected to confirm his intention to resign, clearing the way for Japan to select its sixth prime minister since Junichiro Koizumi ended a rare five-year term in 2006.
Japan's new leader must grapple with a resurgent yen, push ahead with efforts to rebuild after the March earthquake and tsunami, and end a radiation crisis at the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant. All this while working out how to curb a huge public debt and cure the ills of a fast-ageing population.
Jiji reported: "Maehara has begun final coordination in preparation to run."
Noda, a 54-year-old fiscal conservative, had hoped to win the backing of Maehara, 49, the most popular of potential candidates among voters in recent polls.
"This changes the dynamic completely, although it does not give you the answer to who will win," Chuo University political science professor Steven Reed said.
At least five other Democratic Party lawmakers are eyeing the job. The new party leader will become prime minister by virtue of the party's majority in parliament.
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