Member for

3 years 11 months
Submitted by ctv_en_2 on Wed, 09/24/2008 - 17:00
Taro Aso, an outspoken politician and a former foreign minister, became Japan's new prime minister on September 24 after the powerful lower house of parliament overruled the upper house's choice for a leader.

Mr Aso handily won the vote in the lower house, where his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) holds the majority.


The upper house had voted in favor of opposition leader Ichiro Ozawa. However, under Japan's constitution, though, the lower house overrules the upper one when the two cannot reach consensus.


Mr Aso, 68, was officially declared the prime minister after a meeting between representatives from the two bodies. He succeeds Yasuo Fukuda, who resigned amid plummeting approval ratings after less than a year in office. Mr Fukuda and his Cabinet stepped down ahead of the vote on September 24.


The new prime minister inherits an office that is expected to confront several pressing challenges immediately. Foremost among them is the country's sagging economy.


Mr Aso advocates an increase in public spending and tax cuts to stimulate the economy. His LDP is also expected to call a snap election as early as next month, in the hope that his name-recognition will help the ruling party retain control of parliament.

 

VOVNews/CNN

Add new comment

Đăng ẩn
Tắt