Sanae Takaichi has won the leadership of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), to become the country’s first female prime minister.
Gatekeepers News reports that the 64-year-old conservative politician emerged winner in a runoff on Saturday, defeating Shinjiro Koizumi, the 44-year-old son of a former premier who campaigned as a youthful face for generational change. She also defeated veteran contender Yoshimasa Hayashi.
With parliamentary approval almost certain, Takaichi is set to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, marking the fifth leadership change in Japan in as many years.
A former economic security minister and close ally of the late Shinzo Abe, Takaichi is known for her hawkish positions on defense, immigration, and economic sovereignty.
