No clear winner in Japan's quest for leadership
Source: Agencies |
August 29, 2011, Monday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
THE five candidates vying to be Japan's next prime minister promised yesterday to resolve the country's nuclear crisis and revive its battered economy, amid widespread public cynicism about a revolving door of leaders.
Japan - which is set to install its sixth prime minister in five years - has fumbled to find leadership to tackle formidable challenges, including recovery from the earthquake and tsunami in March and the battle to bring under control a nuclear power plant sent into meltdown by the disasters.
Even before then, the nation had serious problems, including an aging population and a stagnant economy.
None of the five candidates looking to replace Naoto Kan as prime minister is expected to win the needed majority of 200 votes among legislators in the ruling Democratic Party in the first round of voting, set for today. If no one wins a majority, a run-off between the top two will follow. The winner of the Democrats' leadership vote is almost certain to become the nation's next prime minister because the party controls parliament.
Public interest has been low, underlining widespread disenchantment with politics.
A debate yesterday among the candidates was not carried live on any of the major TV networks.
"In Japan these days, a prime minister who lasts even one year is a miracle," said Minoru Morita, who has written several books on Japanese politics.
He predicted more confusion ahead, including a possible split in the ruling party in coming months.
Japanese media reports said yesterday that Economy Minister Banri Kaieda, 62, had a slight lead over other candidates after securing the backing of the ruling party's behind-the-scenes power broker, Ichiro Ozawa.
But that could prove a pitfall in a run-off, as legislators may rally behind a rival to block Ozawa's grip on power, according to Morita.
Candidates include former Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara, Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda, Agriculture Minister Michihiko Kano and former Transport Minister Sumio Mabuchi.
Japan - which is set to install its sixth prime minister in five years - has fumbled to find leadership to tackle formidable challenges, including recovery from the earthquake and tsunami in March and the battle to bring under control a nuclear power plant sent into meltdown by the disasters.
Even before then, the nation had serious problems, including an aging population and a stagnant economy.
None of the five candidates looking to replace Naoto Kan as prime minister is expected to win the needed majority of 200 votes among legislators in the ruling Democratic Party in the first round of voting, set for today. If no one wins a majority, a run-off between the top two will follow. The winner of the Democrats' leadership vote is almost certain to become the nation's next prime minister because the party controls parliament.
Public interest has been low, underlining widespread disenchantment with politics.
A debate yesterday among the candidates was not carried live on any of the major TV networks.
"In Japan these days, a prime minister who lasts even one year is a miracle," said Minoru Morita, who has written several books on Japanese politics.
He predicted more confusion ahead, including a possible split in the ruling party in coming months.
Japanese media reports said yesterday that Economy Minister Banri Kaieda, 62, had a slight lead over other candidates after securing the backing of the ruling party's behind-the-scenes power broker, Ichiro Ozawa.
But that could prove a pitfall in a run-off, as legislators may rally behind a rival to block Ozawa's grip on power, according to Morita.
Candidates include former Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara, Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda, Agriculture Minister Michihiko Kano and former Transport Minister Sumio Mabuchi.
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