Sanae Takaichi, the new leader of Japan’s governing Liberal Democratic Party, in Tokyo on Sept. 22. FRANCK ROBICHON / AFP – Getty Images
Sanae Takaichi has won an historic vote to become Japan’s first female prime minister ever
The 64-year-old conservative is known as Japan’s “Iron Lady” – she’s an admirer of the UK’s former PM Margaret Thatcher.
This is her third attempt at becoming the Japanese leader, and she’s the fourth PM in five years from her scandal-hit party, LDP.
She belongs to the LDP’s hardline wing and is a protege of the late former PM Shinzo Abe.
Now that she’s elected, Takaichi’s challenges will include fixing a sluggish economy, navigating a rocky US-Japan relationship and uniting a divided ruling party.
Meanwhile, Trump has praised Takaichi’s ‘great wisdom and strength’.
Earlier this month, Trump had congratulated Takaichi upon her winning the leadership race of her party, the LDP, calling her win “tremendous news”.
He described her as a “highly respected person of great wisdom and strength” – and praised her role as Japan’s first female Prime Minister – though she has not been confirmed in the position as yet.
In response, Takaichi posted that she was “very pleased” with the US leader’s message, saying she was “hoping to work together [with him] to make our alliance even stronger and more prosperous”.
Takaichi has so far positioned herself as a reliable partner to the US – saying earlier this month that she planned to honour an investment deal with Trump, despite earlier signals – a sign that she plans to maintain stability in bilaterial ties.
Credit: BBC
