Kishida Signals Readiness to Seek Post-Abe LDP Reign

August 29, 2018

Tokyo- Former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida has shown his strong intention to run for presidency of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party after retirement of Shinzo Abe, who is now seeking a third term as party leader to stay on as prime minister.

Kishida, currently LDP policy chief, told reporters on Tuesday that his continued support for Abe "will pave the way for the next leadership election" after one set for Sept. 20.

In the upcoming poll, Abe will be challenged by former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

Kishida's intraparty faction will soon submit policy recommendations to the prime minister, including a request for raising the consumption tax rate from 8 pct to 10 pct in October next year as scheduled without further delay. Jiji Press