In the upcoming ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s presidential election, former LDP Secretary General Shigeru Ishiba and former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi are gaining the most attention from their rivals, according to various opinion polls. At a public debate held on Saturday among all nine candidates, Ishiba and Koizumi faced numerous questions. It is believed that none of the candidates will receive a majority in the first round, leading to a runoff between the top two contenders. The other hopefuls are aiming to make it into the runoff by pointing out flaws in Ishiba and Koizumi’s arguments. The debate highlighted differences in their opinions on security, energy, and regulatory reforms.
During the debate, former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi asked Ishiba about his stance on nuclear power plants. Ishiba responded by emphasizing renewable energies but Kobayashi expressed concern about rising electricity rates if renewable energy usage increases. LDP Secretary General Toshimitsu Motegi questioned Ishiba’s idea of an Asian version of NATO due to Asia’s diverse countries with different values and relationships with China.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi also directed questions at Ishiba regarding his proposal for a “disaster prevention ministry” and how it would coordinate with various departments including the Self-Defense Forces. Each candidate had an opportunity to ask another candidate questions during the debate. Koizumi was questioned about ride-share services by economic security minister Sanae Takaichi who raised concerns about safety.
Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa asked Koizumi what remarks he would make at a G7 summit taking place in Canada in 2025 while former Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato questioned him about his policy pledge to review regulations on firing employees.
Digital Minister Taro Kono and Motegi faced many questions regarding consistency of their political positions during a question-and-answer session with event organizer Digital Minister Taro Kono.
