Japan elects its first woman PM

Victory secured after coalition sealed

- Reuters

Hardline conservative Sanae Takaichi was elected Japan's first female prime minister on Tuesday, shattering a political glass ceiling for women and setting the country up for a decisive turn to the right.

An acolyte of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and an admirer of Britain’s Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi is expected to return to Abe-style government stimulus as she attempts to jumpstart an economy strug-¢gling with slow growth and rising prices. Her victory marks a pivotal shift ina country where men hold overwhelming sway, yet she named just two women to her cabinet, fewer than she had promised.

Takaichi is likely to make a sharp turn to the right on immigration and defence, reflecting the broader rightward shift in global politics.

In her first press conference, she promised to work tirelessly to restore Japan’s economic might, and deepen the relationship with the United States under President Donald Trump.

“Iam determined to deliver results for the nation, to build a strong Japan and to never give up,” she said.

“I also plan to meet President Trump at an early date to elevate the Japan-US relationship to new heights,” she said.