Japan Set to Get First Female Prime Minister
Japan's ruling party elected Sanae Takaichi as its first female leader, positioning her to become the country's first woman prime minister. The conservative politician faces the challenge of governing without a parliamentary majority while advocating for economic stimulus. This marks a historic moment for gender equality in Japanese politics.
Sanae Takaichi won the leadership of Japan's ruling party on Saturday. The 64-year-old conservative politician leads the Liberal Democratic Party. This party has governed Japan almost continuously since 1955. Takaichi advocates for larger economic stimulus packages. She takes a more dovish approach than outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The government currently lacks a parliamentary majority. Despite this challenge, Takaichi is expected to become prime minister. Japan has never had a woman lead the government before. This marks a historic shift in Japanese politics. The country ranks poorly on global gender equality indexes. Could this election signal changing attitudes toward women in leadership? Takaichi's economic policies may face opposition in parliament. Her party must build alliances to pass legislation.