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After Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigned due to poor health, people have been guessing which Japanese leaders will run in the election to replace Abe.
A day after former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida announced his plans to run for election, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga also formally announced his participation in the upcoming elections.
Read also | Fumio Kishida announces candidacy to replace Japanese Shinzo Abe
Suga had previously rejected rumors about running for election. Abe’s loyalist had emerged last week as a strong contender to succeed Abe. However, Suga politely declined the opportunity, saying instead that he would like to focus on improving the economy that has been affected by the novel coronavirus. “We need to consider what we can do to prevent the economy from falling off a cliff,” Suga had previously said.
However, on Wednesday he announced that he has decided to run as party leader to avoid a political vacuum during the coronavirus pandemic.
Read also | Who will replace Abe and when: Japan’s prime minister’s resignation sparks a race for leadership
“At this time of national crisis, we cannot allow a political vacuum,” Suga told a briefing. “I decided to run after deeply reflecting on what I can do, as a politician and as a member of the Abe administration, to bring back as soon as possible the day when people can live without fear.”
Abe’s long-standing aid has made it clear that, if elected, he will continue Abe’s aggressive fiscal and monetary stimulus policies and target the most affected rural areas.
The Liberal Democratic Party (PLD) will now host elections to replace him as its president on September 14. Candidates must register their names on September 8 and can start campaigning immediately afterward. The parliamentary vote for prime minister will take place on September 16.
