The new PM of Japan, Yoshihide Suga, pledged to carry on Abe's policies. (Image via AP News)

Elected PM of Japan, Suga commits to carry on 'Abenomics'

Having been elected as the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party on Monday, Yoshihide Suga is now appointed as the new Prime Minister (PM) of Japan after the extraordinary Diet session on Wednesday. In his 70s, Suga became the oldest PM since Kiichi Miyazawa in 1991.

Previously known as the Chief Cabinet Secretary and Abe's right-hand man, Suga pledged to continue what has left of Abe's policy to revive Japan's economy in the middle of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemics, called "Abenomics". The former PM of Japan since 2012, Shinzo Abe, resigned late August due to his health condition. Abenomics is a policy proposed by Abe to restore Japan's economy back on track by monetary easing, fiscal stimulus, and structural reform.

Taking over the PM seat in such a catastrophic condition, Suga is facing economic problems battered by COVID-19, postponed Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo, and the declining birth rate in Japan. The 71-year-old PM stated that while political vacuum has to be avoided at all costs, he will continue Abe's policies as a mission. Addressing COVID-19 in his first speech as PM, Suga stated that the Japanese government should utilize digital tools more efficiently. Therefore, a new division will be established to handle the matter.

Moreover, Suga is expected to maintain stable relations with its Western friend, the United States, and neighboring countries such as China and Russia who are adversaries to the U.S and also facing territorial disputes with Tokyo. In addition, Suga is also expected to renew Japan's determination to repatriate Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea (N. Korea) in the 1970s and 1980s.

Source: https://bit.ly/3iEVAfc