Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has elected former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi as its new leader, making the way for her to become the country’s first female prime minister . This comes after Takaichi defeated Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who is the son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, in a runoff vote, AP reported.

According to a report by Reuters , the ruling party selected Takaichi in an effort to restore public confidence, which has waned amid rising living costs and growing support for opposition parties advocating for stricter immigration policies.

Parliament is expected to hold a vote on October 15 to formally select a new prime minister to succeed Shigeru Ishiba.

Who is Sanae Takaichi?

Sanae Takaichi, a conservative politic

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