Newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is facing early challenges with his Cabinet appointments raising concerns about internal party unity and a lack of clear policy direction. Critics point to inconsistencies between his rhetoric and actions, questioning his ability to lead effectively.
Japan ese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba arriving for a photo session with his Cabinet members on Oct 1.
Bloomberg News snarkily pointed out in a column that Mr Ishiba has “barely the concept of a plan”, borrowing a phrase used by Donald Trump in the United States presidential race for which he has been mocked. The writer said: “Nailing down what Ishiba wants Japan to look like is more like nailing jelly to a wall.
In this regard, Mr Ishiba’s appointment of Mr Seiichiro Murakami in the key position of internal affairs and communications minister is telling: The 72-year-old 12-term lawmaker once criticised Mr Abe for having “wrecked fiscal health, the financial system, foreign diplomacy and bureaucratic structures”, and even labelled him a “traitor” after he was assassinated.
“I’m not saying that the people chosen weren’t the best fit for their positions,” he said. “But it would have been better if they were chosen more broadly across party faction lines.”The Cabinet is stacked with former defence ministers – there are more of them than women . Critics say this contradicts Mr Ishiba’s own promises on Oct 1 to “honour the rights of women so that, in various sectors of society, women are able to participate”.
Dr Masuyama added: “Ishiba, as a vocal critic, was in no position to influence actual policy. But now that he is in the driving seat, he is heavily constrained by reality... I don’t think he has any specific ideas about ageing or healthcare or social security issues.
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