Shinjiro Koizumi Faces Greater Challenge in Securing Wife’s Permission Than in Gathering Supporters for Party Leadership Election
On September 27, Shinjiro Koizumi, former Minister of the Environment, emerged as a leading candidate in the Liberal Democratic Party’s presidential election.
On August 20, the media simultaneously reported:
“Shinjiro Koizumi to Run for Party Leadership Election”
According to sources, Koizumi informed senior LDP members:
“I will run in the presidential election. We have worked together for a long time, so I wanted to let you know.”
He reportedly conveyed his intention to run.
Various media outlets are conducting preliminary surveys on who is most suitable to be the next Prime Minister.
The top candidate is former Secretary-General Shigeru Ishiba, but there is a competitive atmosphere for second place and beyond. In one survey, Shinjiro Koizumi is shown to be in second place behind Ishiba.
On the 19th, Koizumi had a meal with Economic Minister Ken Saito, who has expressed his enthusiasm for running in the presidential election. Saito and Koizumi were elected in the same year and have a close relationship, so there is a possibility of cooperation in the election.
“Another young candidate, Takayuki Kobayashi, known as ‘Kobahawk,’ declared his intention to run early. He is also promising for the future, but becoming the LDP president is a high hurdle. However, it is very meaningful for Koizumi to help make the LDP appear rejuvenated” (according to an insider in Nagatacho).
The likelihood of the leadership election being decided in the first round of voting is low, given the proliferation of candidates. The camp of Shinjiro Koizumi believes:
“If it goes to a runoff vote, we think we can win. In addition to local votes, there is a possibility that many young lawmakers will turn to support Koizumi.”
Reportedly.
The confusion within the Liberal Democratic Party began with the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
As if a large gear had fallen out, issues like the Unification Church scandal and financial scandals have been brought to light. Prime Minister Kishida struggled desperately but ultimately gave up. It seems that, in the blink of an eye, the opportunity has shifted to Koizumi.
