Shinjiro Koizumi’s Popularity Declines as Sanae Takaichi Eyes Opportunity Amid Potential Leadership Election Upheaval

What’s currently stirring controversy is the “review of dismissal regulations.” Like his father, Junichiro, who championed postal privatization, Koizumi is advocating for “regulatory reform without sanctuary,” but some interpret this as “liberalization of dismissals,” sparking backlash.

In response, at the debate on the 13th, Koizumi said,

“What remains unresolved is the gap between regular and non-regular employment. If we are to create an environment where non-regular workers can more easily be hired as regular employees, we need to change the current rules of the labor market. We will have large corporations provide even more reemployment support.”

He thus “adjusted his course,” emphasizing not the liberalization of dismissals, but creating a path from non-regular to regular employment. To this, the aforementioned young lawmaker raised objections.

 

Mr. Takaichi’s “Achilles’ heel” is

“Many people likely felt inconsistency in his statements. Even if he aims to promote the shift from non-regular to regular employment, does he truly understand the current state of Japanese companies? There’s also the risk of a ‘reverse effect,’ where regular employees end up becoming more like non-regular workers. Saying is easy, doing is hard. Among lawmakers and party members, there’s an increasing number of voices asking, ‘Is Koizumi really up to the task?'” (the aforementioned national newspaper reporter)

The other candidates are baring their fangs at the weakened Koizumi. During the debate on the 14th, Yoko Kamikawa raised questions about foreign policy, Katsunobu Kato asked about dismissal regulations, and Sanae Takaichi inquired about ride-sharing. 

“Everyone is aiming for an ‘own goal’ caused by a slip of the tongue. Koizumi is said to be staying up late every night, fine-tuning policies with close aides and preparing anticipated responses. However, he tends to freeze when asked about anything outside of the expected questions. It’s also not a good look when he repeatedly checks the notes in front of him. He will likely continue to be bombarded with attacks,” according to a Nagatacho insider.

He continues. Takaichi, which is rapidly rising, is still Takaichi.

“There’s information that the Abe faction, which was expected to support her, has split, and votes are flowing to Kobayashi.”

With only a short time left until the fateful voting day, the situation has suddenly become much more unpredictable.