Yoshihide Suga has been elected Japan's new Prime Minister following a vote in the country's Parliament on Wednesday, September 16 as leader of the world's third-largest economy.
The 71-year-old head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) replaces outgoing leader Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest-serving Prime Minister.
Suga, won an easy victory, taking 314 votes of 462 valid ballots
Suga, won an easy victory, taking 314 votes of 462 valid ballots cast in the lower house of parliament, where his ruling Liberal Democratic Party holds a commanding majority with its coalition partner.
Abe announced his intention to resign in August due to health problems related to colitis, a non-curable inflammatory bowel disease.
Suga said he would continue to promote Abe's policies
In the run-up to his inauguration, Suga said he would continue to promote Abe's policies, including his "Abenomics" of aggressive monetary easing, fiscal stimulus and structural reforms, to breathe life back into the recession-hit Japanese economy.
Suga will also continue the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, utilising the 230 trillion yen (2.2 trillion US dollar) package allocated for tackling the disease.
Later in the day, Suga will announce the members of his new cabinet before being formally inaugurated at a ceremony at the Imperial Palace.
Xinhua news agency reported, at the age of 71, Suga will be the oldest Prime Minister to take office since Kiichi Miyazawa in 1991. His premiership will last through the remainder of Abe's term as LDP leader until September 2021.
(inputs from wires)
