Sanae Takaichi was elected as the new Prime Minister of Japan

Sanae Takaichi has been elected as the new Prime Minister of Japan, becoming the first woman in the country's history to hold this post. This became known on October 21 following a vote in parliament.

Takaichi assumed the post of Prime Minister of Japan, becoming the 104th head of government in the country's history. The 64-year—old politician was previously known for her conservative views - while serving as Minister of Economic Security, she was the only cabinet minister to visit the Yasukuni Shrine, associated with Japanese militarism. However, after being elected head of the LDP in October, Takaichi limited herself to sending a personal donation to the temple.

The politician was part of the inner circle of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who called her a "conservative star." In 2006, she joined the government for the first time, heading the Ministry of Okinawa and the Northern Territories (the Japanese name for the Southern Kuril Islands).

Takaichi openly declares his desire to become the Japanese equivalent of the "iron Lady" Margaret Thatcher. Her political program includes the slogans of "strengthening Japan," "returning the country to the top," and "overcoming stagnation." The new prime minister pays special attention to the issue of changing the constitution, advocating the official consolidation of the status of the self-defense forces in the basic law, renaming them the "self-defense army." In the field of security, Takaichi insists on strengthening defense capabilities in space and cyberspace, and also supports the development of dual-use technologies. The new cabinet will be announced on Tuesday and will take office after the official confirmation ceremony by Emperor Naruhito.

On October 4, Takaichi was elected as the new chairman of the ruling party of Japan. So, in the second round, she won 185 votes, including 149 votes from members of parliament.

On September 7, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba decided to resign from his post. It was clarified that Isiba faced great pressure from the Liberal Democratic Party, which he led. He noted that he would like the process of choosing a new party leader to begin as soon as possible.

The news is being updated