Former communications minister Sanae Takaichi announced Wednesday that she is running for Liberal Democratic Party president in the Sept. 29 election. Her policy platform borrows heavily from that of her strongest political ally, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is supporting her bid.
In a detailed news conference laying out her goals that was heavy on the coronavirus and economic and technological issues, Takaichi promised increased financial support to tackle the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and spoke of the need for tougher laws to allow the government to enact the kind of lockdowns during a public health crisis that other countries have seen.
“I will enact large amounts of financial assistance to firms affected by the coronavirus so they can maintain their business foundation,” Takaichi said. "Quick efforts are also needed to discuss new legislation to allow lockdowns."