SANAE Takaichi was reelected as Japan’s prime minister in parliament on Wednesday as the Diet convened a special session following her Liberal Democratic Party’s historic landslide victory in the 8 February House of Representatives election.
Before the start of the 150-day session, Takaichi’s Cabinet resigned en masse, as required by the Constitution. She is set to formally launch a new Cabinet later in the day, with no major changes to the lineup of ministers for the sake of continuity.
Takaichi, known for her hawkish views on defense and security, received overwhelming majority support with 354 votes in the lower house, controlled by her ruling coalition.
In the House of Councillors, where the ruling camp remains in a minority, she was elected prime minister in a runoff by winning 125 votes against 65 for Junya Ogawa, head of the main opposition party.
All her ministers, including Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama and Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, will remain in their posts, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said at a press conference.
Takaichi formed her first Cabinet in October after becoming LDP leader and subsequently prime minister.
Kyodo
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