Briefly

JAPAN

Vaccine chief joins LDP leadership race

Taro Kono, a former foreign and defense minister currently leading the vaccine rollout, announced his run for the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Friday. One of the country's most recognizable political figures, Kono, 58, is a top contender for the post, up for grabs after Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said he would not stand. Whoever wins on Sept 29 will lead the party into general elections in October or November. Kono, believed to have Suga's support, has two rivals so far: Former foreign minister Fumio Kishida and hawkish female LDP member Sanae Takaichi.

AUSTRIA

Son mummifies mom to get her benefits

Police said on Thursday they had discovered the body of an 89-year-old woman who died a year ago and was mummified in the cellar by her son who wanted to continue receiving her benefits. In a statement, police said the mother, who is believed to have suffered from dementia, had died in June last year. The suspect would get his mother's benefits by post every month, but a new postman had recently asked to see the beneficiary. When the son refused, he reported it to the authorities.

Agencies Via Xinhua