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These are the key debate topics in the LDP presidential election.

In the recent House of Councillors election, measures to counter rising prices such as cash handouts and tax cuts became major issues, but due to the turmoil within the Liberal Democratic Party over Prime Minister Ishibas continuation in office, discussions have since stalled.

On September 5th, Prime Minister Ishiba indicated plans to formulate economic measures in the fall, but since he expressed his intention to resign, concrete discussions have not progressed.

In the presidential election, in addition to the pros and cons of the 20,000 yen cash payout per person, which the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito have included in their campaign pledges for the House of Councillors election, opinions will likely be sought on issues such as the reduction of the consumption tax rate advocated by many opposition parties, the introduction of tax credits with benefits and income tax reductions based on income, as well as the lowering of social insurance premiums.

Cooperation with opposition parties: As a result of last years House of Representatives election and the recent House of Councillors election, the Liberal Democratic Party has become a minority ruling party in both houses, making cooperation with opposition parties essential for governing.

For this reason, a major point of discussion is expected to be whether, as the Ishiba administration has done, cooperation with opposition parties will be sought on a policy-by-policy basis, or whether the current coalition framework between the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito will be expanded.

Of these, regarding the expansion of the coalition framework, within the Liberal Democratic Party, names such as Nippon Ishin Japan Innovation Party and the Democratic Party for the People have been mentioned as potential new coalition partners, and there are also some opinions supporting a grand coalition with the Constitutional Democratic Party.

Through what kinds of policies, with which political parties, and what kind of cooperation they aim for—active debates are expected to take place.

The closeness of relationships between the five candidates and opposition party executives also seems likely to become one of the points of interest.

The Liberal Democratic Partys Revival The Liberal Democratic Party has compiled a summary stating that, following its defeat in the House of Councillors election, it will work on a complete party overhaul.

In summary, in addition to the ongoing need to address issues surrounding politics and money—which were pointed out as being at the root of public distrust—there are expected to be discussions on how to deal with challenges such as the loss of support from conservative groups, gaining support from independents, and fostering young lawmakers in the context of many factions having dissolved.

Dissolution strategy: Prime Minister Ishiba dissolved the House of Representatives eight days after becoming Prime Minister, following his victory in last years party leadership election.

Within the Liberal Democratic Party, some believe that if the new party president is elected as prime minister, the House of Representatives may be dissolved at an early stage depending on the trends in the cabinet approval rating.

If a coalition is formed with some opposition parties, there is also an opinion that it would be necessary to seek a mandate from the people.

On the other hand, some point out that simply changing the face of the party will not restore lost trust, and there are also opinions that it is first necessary to deliver results on policy issues such as rising prices.

How the timing of the dissolution of the House of Representatives and the general election will be considered is also likely to become a topic of interest.

Other Policy Issues In addition, issues such as how to handle corporate and organizational donations—which remain unresolved between the ruling and opposition parties—the stance on the “optional separate surname system” that would allow married couples to keep their pre-marriage surnames if they wish, as well as the timing of abolishing the provisional gasoline tax rate and how to address the resulting revenue shortfall, are also expected to be points of contention.

Furthermore, diplomatic strategy is also likely to be a focal point, including responses to the Trump administrations tariff measures in U.S.-Japan relations, dealing with Chinas increasing military activities around Japan, further strengthening Japan-South Korea relations, addressing the issue of abductions by North Korea, supporting Ukraine, and responding to the situation in the Middle East.

Furthermore, discussions are also expected on agricultural policy reforms that have shifted toward increasing rice production to ensure a stable supply, as well as on how to address the rising social security costs due to the ongoing decline in birthrates and the aging population.