Key Aso Faction Members Expected to Fill Senior Party Positions
Sanae Takaichi, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president and the leading candidate to become Japan's next prime minister, is expected to appoint a significant number of key party positions to members of the "Aso faction."
On October 5, the Asahi Shimbun reported that President Takaichi is considering appointing Suzuki Shunichi, the party’s General Council Chair and a member of the Aso faction, as the LDP Secretary-General, and former Prime Minister Aso Taro as the party’s Vice President.
Former Prime Minister Aso is the leader of the Aso faction, the only remaining faction within the LDP, and Suzuki, the General Council Chair, is his brother-in-law. In the runoff vote for the LDP presidential election held the previous day, Aso effectively instructed lawmakers in his faction to support Takaichi, playing the role of a "kingmaker."
The Asahi Shimbun analyzed that Takaichi’s consideration for Aso stems from the fact that the Aso faction accounted for the largest number of the 20 lawmakers who endorsed her candidacy. The report also noted that Suzuki, having previously served as Finance Minister, is considered a suitable candidate for Secretary-General due to his extensive experience, which will be valuable in coordinating policies with opposition parties.
Takaichi is expected to be inaugurated as prime minister around October 15. After taking office, she is likely to first appoint senior LDP officials.
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