Japan's parliament confirms hardliner Takaichi as country's first female PM

"Japan's parliament has elected ultraconservative Sanae Takaichi as the nation's first female prime minister. A protege of assassinated former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi received 237 votes in the 465-seat lower house of parliament on Tuesday to confirm her in the role. The victory follows a last-minute coalition deal by her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party (JIP), also known as Ishin, on Monday."

"Her victory marks a pivotal moment for a country where men still hold overwhelming sway. But it is also likely to usher in a sharper move to the right on immigration and social issues, with little expectation that it will help to promote gender equality or diversity. Takaichi has stonewalled measures for women's advancement. She supports the imperial family's male-only succession and opposes same-sex marriage and allowing separate surnames for married couples."

"The LDP had earlier lost its longtime partner, the Buddhist-backed Komeito, which has a more dovish and centrist stance. Komeito ended the partnership due to its concerns that the LDP was not prepared to fight corruption. Political stability is essential right now, Takaichi said at the signing ceremony with the JIP leader and Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura. Without stability, we cannot push measures for a strong economy or diplomacy."

Sanae Takaichi has been elected Japan's first female prime minister with 237 votes in the 465-seat lower house. Her Liberal Democratic Party secured a last-minute coalition deal with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party, but the government remains two seats short of a majority, creating risk of instability. She replaces Shigeru Ishiba, ending a three-month political vacuum after the LDP's poor July election showing. Takaichi is a protege of Shinzo Abe and is expected to push rightward on immigration and social issues. She opposes same-sex marriage, separate married surnames, and supports male-only imperial succession. Komeito ended its partnership over corruption concerns.

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