自民じみん総裁そうさい選せん 小泉こいずみ農相のうしょうが立候補りっこうほの意向いこう固かためる

Regarding the Liberal Democratic Partys leadership election, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Koizumi has decided to run, taking into account the numerous calls from local assembly members in his hometown encouraging him to run.

It is expected to be announced in the first half of next week.

Regarding the Liberal Democratic Party presidential election to choose a successor to Prime Minister Ishiba, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Koizumi is stepping up coordination for his candidacy and indicated on the 12th that he will make a final decision based on the opinions of his local supporters.

And on the morning of the 13th, he held a meeting with local assembly members and supporters in his hometown of Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture.

According to attendees, at the meeting Minister Koizumi said, In this situation where a complete party overhaul is necessary, I want to take on any role I can, and many of the attendees reportedly expressed hopes that he would run for office.

Taking this into consideration, Minister Koizumi has decided to run in the party leadership election.

He is expected to announce it in the first half of next week, then hold a press conference to explain the policies he advocates and how he plans to cooperate with opposition parties.

Minister Koizumi ran for the party leadership election for the first time last year, but finished third in the first round of voting and was unable to advance to the runoff.

Regarding the presidential election, former Secretary-General Motegi has officially announced his candidacy, and former Minister for Economic Security Kobayashi has also expressed his intention to run.

Also, former Minister for Economic Security Takaichi and Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi have decided to run for office and are expected to announce their candidacies next week.