Conservative members of the Liberal Democratic Party are aiming to elect a new leader more aligned to them in the party¡¯s presidential election on Oct. 4, but with two former economic security ministers ¡ª Takayuki Kobayashi and Sanae Takaichi ¡ª who are considered right-leaning planning to run, their votes are expected to be split.
Kobayashi, 50, said Thursday he will ¡°take the lead and run in the LDP presidential election.¡± It will be his second presidential attempt.
¡°My colleagues and I share a sense of fear for our country¡¯s future,¡± Kobayashi told reporters. ¡°I want to make Japan a country where the middle class, young generations and working-age people can be more energetic, dream and hope about the future.¡±
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