Japan's Prime Minister Kishida considering a Cabinet reshuffle in mid-September
Baku, August 10, AZERTAC
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio is considering a reshuffle of his Cabinet and executives of his main ruling Liberal Democratic Party as early as mid-September, according to NHK.
The information comes from several government and party officials, who say Kishida, who is also LDP President, is looking to bolster his leadership amid flagging public support. Thursday marks exactly one year since Kishida last reshuffled his Cabinet and party executives.
Early next month, Kishida is scheduled to attend a meeting with leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, in Indonesia and a G20 summit in India. Sources say he is planning to proceed with the reshuffle after returning from these meetings.
Observers speculate Kishida is also trying to use the reshuffle to reinforce his leadership in preparation for the upcoming general elections and the LDP presidential election set for autumn 2024.
The reshuffle will focus on whether Kishida will retain the current key government and party executives, including LDP Vice President Aso Taro, LDP Secretary-General Motegi Toshimitsu and Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu.
Another consideration for Kishida will be the post of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism minister, which has for years been held by a lawmaker from the LDP's junior coalition partner Komeito.
Furthermore, Kishida must decide whether to appoint LDP lawmakers who have never served in the Cabinet to ministerial positions.
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