TOKYO: Former Japanese economic security minister KOBAYASHI Takayuki is likely to announce his candidacy as early as next week for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s presidential election in September, informed sources said Friday.
Meanwhile, former Chief Cabinet Secretary KATO Katsunobu indicated his intention to explore a candidacy in a television program the same day, saying, “I want to make concrete moves.”
Kobayashi, 49, looks almost certain to win recommendations from 20 LDP lawmakers, meeting a condition for running in an LDP presidential election.
Kobayashi, in his fourth term at the House of Representatives, has strong support from LDP members who were first elected to the all-important lower chamber of parliament at the same time as Kobayashi.
Kato, 68, has already sought support from fellow lawmakers from the faction led by Secretary-General MOTEGI Toshimitsu.
Motegi, 68, himself has signaled his intent to enter the race. But Kato said in the TV program that there should be no problem because the faction has decided to dissolve itself.
Regarding Kobayashi, some close to him back the idea that he will announce his bid Monday, the day before the party decides the presidential election schedule. Sources said Kobayashi is carefully considering when to make such an announcement.
“We’ve secured support from well over 20 people,” said a lawmaker close to him.
Among other possible candidates to succeed KISHIDA Fumio as LDP president and thus as prime minister, former Secretary-General ISHIBA Shigeru, 67, has said he is close to securing recommendations from 20 lawmakers.
Economic security minister TAKAICHI Sanae, 63, has started asking for support by telephone, while some people from the Kishida faction want Chief Cabinet Secretary HAYASHI Yoshimasa, 63, to join the race.
Digital transformation minister KONO Taro, 61, has indicated a willingness to run. Other potential candidates include former Environment Minister KOIZUMI Shinjiro, 43, and industry minister SAITO Ken , 65.
On Wednesday, Kishida announced that he will not seek re-election as LDP president and will step down as prime minister after the party election.
JIJI Press