Japan's Parliament Elects Ultraconservative Sanae Takaichi as First Female Prime Minister

Japanese parliament members elected Sanae Takaichi as the country's first female prime minister on Tuesday, marking the end of a three-month political vacuum following the Liberal Democratic Party's disastrous election loss in July. Takaichi, an admirer of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, has been criticized for her conservative views on gender equality and diversity. Despite promising to increase the number of women in the Cabinet, she appointed only two female ministers.

Key Takeaways:

• Sanae Takaichi was elected as Japan's first female prime minister with 237 votes, four more than the majority required.
• Takaichi replaces Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned with his Cabinet and served as prime minister for only one year.
• Takaichi is an admirer of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and has been criticized for her conservative views on gender equality and diversity.
• She supports the imperial family's male-only succession and opposes same-sex marriage and allowing separate surnames for married couples.
• Despite promising to increase the number of women in the Cabinet, Takaichi appointed only two female ministers, Satsuki Katayama as finance minister and Kimi Onoda as economic security minister.
• Takaichi was first elected to parliament in 1993 and has served in various senior party and government posts, including minister of economic security and internal affairs.

Statistics:

• Takaichi won 237 votes, four more than the majority required to become prime minister.
• 149 votes were cast in favor of Yoshikoko Noda, the head of the largest opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan.
• Takaichi's governing bloc has struck a coalition deal with a new partner expected to pull her administration further to the right.

Sources:

• [Bloomberg]
• [Reuters]'
• [Japan Times]
• [Asahi Shimbun]
• [Nikkei Asia]