The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential election has officially begun with the announcement of Takayuki Kobayashi’s candidacy. Despite most party factions dissolving, faction-based ties remain strong, and candidates will differ in their approach to these ties.
Kobayashi emphasized his commitment to change during a press conference at the Diet Building. He stated that he would not seek support from any faction and highlighted his focus on cross-factional and generational change. The press conference was attended by 24 junior or middle-ranking LDP Diet members, including members of the Nikai, Abe, Kishida, Aso, and now dissolved Moriyama factions.
Controversy arose earlier this month when Kobayashi commented on an internet program about the removal of Abe faction lawmakers from key positions as punishment for violations of the Political Funds Control Law. When asked about this treatment on Monday, Kobayashi responded cautiously by stating that they would appoint the right people to the right positions once they had gained public understanding.
Two unaffiliated party members, Shinjiro Koizumi and Ken Saito, are expected to run for party president under a “faction-free” policy. Koizumi believes that factional calculations should not determine the outcome of the presidential election. Former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga supports Koizumi’s approach.
Former LDP Secretary General Shigeru Ishiba also aims to broaden his support without relying on a faction but had dinner with former Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Ryota Takeda from the Nikai faction. Some speculate that Ishiba sought help from this faction to secure nominations needed for candidacy qualification.
Three other candidates—Taro Kono of the Aso faction; Yoshimasa Hayashi formerly from Kishida’s No. 2 position; and Toshimitsu Motegi who leads his own Motegi faction—are seeking support within their respective factions but may also reach out to other factions and unaffiliated members.
The Kishida faction is cautious due to Fumio Kishida’s desire for a “presidential election free from factional inference.” It would be seen as strange if they openly supported Hayashi in light of this statement.
Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa from Kishida’s faction and former Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato from Motegi’s have expressed interest in running for presidency as well.