Japan Elects First Female Prime Minister in History

It was announced yesterday that Sanae Takaichi has made history as Japan's first female Prime Minister. She secured a landslide victory, with more than 70 percent of voters supporting her party.

The 64-year-old Tokyo government chief has been in power for only three months. Takaichi is the fourth person to hold the Prime Ministerial office in Japan over the last five years. Her party adheres to Liberal Democratic views.

One of the Prime Minister’s central campaign promises was the abolition of the 8% consumption tax on food products. However, financial markets reacted cautiously to the initiative, as investors doubt whether the country has a clear source of funding to implement the measure given the current level of national debt.

In the Prime Minister's view, Japan needs to increase military spending and establish a tough dialogue with China. Furthermore, her statements regarding Taiwan have already sparked a diplomatic scandal between the two nations.
U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated Takaichi on her victory via a social media post, wishing her "great success in implementing the conservative 'Peace Through Strength' agenda." He also announced that he will host the Prime Minister at the White House in March.

"Beijing does not welcome Takaichi's victory," said David Boling, director of the Asia Group, a firm that advises businesses on geopolitical risks.

Earlier, on January 23, the woman dubbed the "Iron Lady" of Japan by the media dissolved Parliament and called for early elections.