Japan’s parliament elects Sanae Takaichi as nation’s first female prime minister

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🗞️ Driving the news: Japan’s parliament has elected Sanae Takaichi as the country’s first female prime minister, following a last-minute coalition deal between the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the right-wing Japan Innovation Party (Ishin no Kai)
• Takaichi replaces Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned after the LDP’s significant electoral losses
• Despite falling short of a majority, she secured enough votes with backing from minority parties to assume office

🔭 The context: Takaichi is a staunch conservative and longtime protégé of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
• Her leadership reflects a shift toward more hawkish, nationalist policies, including support for constitutional revision and a stronger military
• The LDP’s previous centrist coalition partner, Komeito, exited over internal scandals and concerns about Takaichi’s controversial views on gender, history, and diversity
• She has a limited diplomatic profile and now faces the challenge of leading a divided parliament and forming a stable government

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Japan plays a pivotal role in global climate finance, clean energy technology, and multilateral environmental governance
• Takaichi’s nationalist agenda may deprioritize environmental diplomacy in favour of economic and security concerns
• Her alignment with pro-industry factions raises uncertainty over Japan’s climate commitments, including its role in international cooperation and green technology investment
• The lack of gender parity in her Cabinet, despite pledges, may also limit broader progress on equity and sustainability

⏭️ What's next: Takaichi is expected to quickly deliver an economic package by December to address inflation and public dissatisfaction
• She is preparing for high-stakes talks with U.S. President Donald Trump and key regional summits
• Her government’s stability remains uncertain, with a minority coalition requiring support from other opposition groups to pass legislation

💬 One quote: “Tackling rising prices is our top priority. We must meet the expectations of the people.” – Shunichi Suzuki, LDP Secretary General

📈 One stat: Takaichi won 237 votes, just four above the majority threshold, indicating a fragile mandate and heavy reliance on coalition support

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