Conservative members of the Liberal Democratic Party are aiming to elect a new leader more aligned to them in the party’s presidential election on Oct. 4, but with two former economic security ministers — Takayuki Kobayashi and Sanae Takaichi — who are considered right-leaning planning to run, their votes are expected to be split.
Kobayashi, 50, said Thursday he will “take the lead and run in the LDP presidential election.” It will be his second presidential attempt.
“My colleagues and I share a sense of fear for our country’s future,” Kobayashi told reporters. “I want to make Japan a country where the middle class, young generations and working-age people can be more energetic, dream and hope about the future.”
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