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Environment Minister Goshi Hosono said Friday he had decided not to challenge Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in the leadership election for t he ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ).
On Thursday, a group of junior DPJ lawmakers asked Hosono, 41, to run, saying the party needed a young leader to rebuild the party and achieve a breakthrough in the political stalemate, Fuji TV reported.
Hosono, who is also the minister in charge of the nuclear crisis, met with Noda on Friday morning and then told a news conference that he felt it was more important to stay in his current post to deal with the nuclear crisis, Fuji reported.
So far, no other DPJ member has emerged as a challenger to Noda, though other names have been mentioned.
Campaigning will begin on Sept 14 and the election will be held on Sept 21.
© Japan Today
8 Comments
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globalwatcher
No leadership, no complex problem solving skills, and inmatured. He is a bad choice.
alliswellinjapan
Merely a clear indication of the desperation of the juniors at DPJ who are most likely to lose the upcoming election. Would not be a wise move for Hosono in my view.
Jan Claudius Weirauch
Nooooo not the guy who is responsible to transport all the radioactive debris all over the country and burn it in normal not industrial trash incinerators. So we all get our share of the burden. Besides of all his other "qualifications" such as his young age he should never become prime minister
JaneM
I am not saying he is the ideal candidate but after so many old fat cats, Japan does need a bit of younger blood and fresh thinking.
CrazyJoe
It's because of him that モナ (Mona) had to retire from show biz. back in 2006. Mona was single, Hosono was married.
philly1
Exactly, marcelito. Waiting in this scenario is the better tactical move.
YuriOtani
Who would want the position now? A placeholder until after the election. Think in the upcoming elections people should vote Socialist. Someone not in bed with the rich elite bringing ruin to our nation.