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Aso formally announces bid for Japan's ruling party presidency
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-09-05 15:57

TOKYO -- Japan's popular politician Taro Aso formally announced Friday that he will take part in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)'s presidential election to succeed outgoing party leader and Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda.

Taro Aso (L), secretary-general of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), closes his eyes as outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda leaves the LDP parliamentarian meeting at the party's headquarters in Tokyo September 3, 2008. Hawkish former foreign minister Aso has the backing of half of the ruling party's branches to become Japan's next prime minister after Yasuo Fukuda's abrupt resignation, a media survey showed on Wednesday. [Agencies]

At a press conference held at the LDP's headquarters in the morning, Aso, who is the LDP's secretary general, said he will target reviving the economy and create comfortable lives for citizens.

The 67-year-old politician, who used to be foreign minister in both Junichiro Koizumi and Shinzo Abe's Cabinets and known for his interest in cartoons, is set to become prime minister if elected party president since the LDP controls the majority in the more powerful lower house of the parliament.

Aso expressed his willingness to run in the race shortly after Fukuda's announcement of resignation Monday evening. He was defeated by Fukuda in the last race for the party presidency and premiership in September 2007.

A combination photo shows possible candidates to become Japan's next prime minister. Former foreign minister Taro Aso, frontrunner to become Japan's next leader, faced a growing field of would-be rivals on Friday, a development that was helping the ruling party dominate media ahead of a possible general election. Clockwise from top L: former foreign minister Taro Aso, former defence minister Yuriko Koike, former transport minister Nobuteru Ishihara, and Economics Minister Kaoru Yosano. [Agencies]

 

The LDP has set the date of presidential election on September 22. The campaigning is to officially starts Wednesday.

Aso is widely seen as the front-runner in the upcoming election. Former Defense Minister Yuriko Koike, Economic and Fiscal Policy Minister Kaoru Yosano and Nobuteru Ishihara, former LDP policy chief, have also decided to run in the race.