Hagiuda To Become LDP Policy Czar, Two Newcomers To Enter Cabinet

Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Koichi Hagiuda is set to replace Sanae Takaichi as head of the Policy Research Council, one of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's most senior executive officers, local media outlets report.

• It was earlier suggested that Hagiuda would either keep his current post or be appointed for an important position in the ruling party. Hagiuda is a prominent member of the Abe faction, the largest group in the LDP.
• The nomination would be part of Prime Minister Kishida's efforts to stabilise the situation within the LDP by establishing ties with key members of the biggest faction whilst it is going through a period of interregnum.
• At the same time, the treatment of more conservative members and allies of the Abe faction, especially those with proven ties to the controversial Unification Church, will be closely watched.
• Yomiuri reports that Kishida will offer Cabinet posts to Minoru Terada and Naoki Okada. Both Terada (Kishida faction) and Okada (Abe faction) will enter the Cabinet for the first time.
• The reshuffle is expected to be formally announced on Wednesday and may affect half of the Cabinet line-up. While majority of senior ministers will likely keep their posts, Defence Minister Kishi is expected to be replaced.