Japan's Koizumi likely to remain defense minister in Cabinet reshuffle
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is likely to retain Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in a Cabinet and ruling party leadership
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to keep Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in her Cabinet shuffle, according to government sources. Takaichi aims to keep policy consistent while revising Japan's critical security documents by year's end. Koizumi, 45, is popular and seen as a potential future prime minister. She is also considering Takayuki Kobayashi, 51, a former economic security minister and LDP policy chief.
Kobayashi is seen as an asset for implementing her economic agenda due to his policy articulation skills. Kobayashi, a hawkish former Finance Ministry bureaucrat, previously ran against Takaichi in the LDP leadership race. Takaichi, 65, may strengthen her administration by placing potential rivals in key positions ahead of the party presidential election next autumn.
Some lawmakers believe Takaichi intends to solidify her administration through strategic appointments. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi is expected to retain his position. Kobayashi, who worked closely with Takaichi on cutting the consumption tax, is being considered for economic and industry roles.
Written by urgent.news from The Mainichi's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
