Amid concerns over internal opposition within LDP, Koizumi pledges support for Takaichi

Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi’s vow of support for the prime minister carry weight because he ran against her for the Liberal Democratic Party presidency last year. | POOL / VIA REUTERS

Nov 11, 2026

The political fallout over four Liberal Democratic Party members who walked out of the Lower House before a vote on the consumption tax bill continues, with questions about whether their move could spark further opposition and a possible leadership challenge to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

But a key potential rival, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, said Tuesday that he is going to support her reelection as LDP president next year.

“Continuity of the government, foreign policy and security should be guaranteed to a certain extent, no matter the circumstances. Otherwise, nothing significant can be accomplished,” Koizumi said during an internet TV program.

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