Democratic Party of Japan to Select New Leader, Ozawa Backs Kaieda

Diposkan oleh Pengetahuan dan Pengalaman on Friday, August 26, 2011

Prime Minister Kan finally steps down now that the renewable energy legislation has passed, the ruling party Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) is going to hold an election to select the next party leader who will be the new prime minister of Japan.



The election is to be formally announced on August 27, and the voting will be on August 29, according to Jiji Tsushin (8/26/2011).



Jiji reports that there will be 5 candidates for the job. But it seems to boil down to two leading candidates backed by two warring factions within the DPJ.



On one side is Seiji Maeda, 49 years old former Minister of Foreign Affairs, backed by PM Kan and his faction. On the other, Banri Kaieda, 62 years old Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, backed by the faction led by Ichiro Ozawa and ex-PM Yukio Hatoyama, both of whom like to be the "king maker".



Banri Kaieda has been an unabashed proponent of nuclear power as the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry that oversees the nuclear industry in Japan.



5 candidates are:

  • Seiji Maehara, age 49, ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs

  • Yoshihiko Noda, age 54, Minister of Finance

  • Michihiko Kano, age 69, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

  • Sumio Mabuchi, age 51, ex-Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

  • Banri Kaieda, age 62, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry

Take your pick.