‘Pitiful’ Sanae Takaichi on course to become Japan PM as she woos new coalition partner

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president Sanae Takaichi (R) and co-leader of the opposition Japan Innovation Party Hirofumi Yoshimura meet in Tokyo on Oct 15.

LDP president Sanae Takaichi (right) proposed entering a coalition government with the opposition JIP, during talks with co-leader Hirofumi Yoshimura in Tokyo on Oct 15.

PHOTO: AFP

Walter Sim

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TOKYO – Days after the jubilant highs of becoming the Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP)

first woman leader

, Ms Sanae Takaichi was self-deprecating.

The 64-year-old was poised for her

coronation as prime minister

on Oct 15. Yet, at a business event on Oct 14, she introduced herself with a touch of irony: “I am the pitiful Sanae Takaichi, of whom it is widely said: ‘She’s become the LDP president, but she may not become prime minister’.”

‘Pitiful’ Sanae Takaichi on course to become Japan PM as she woos new coalition partner

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