Japan’s Continuity Candidate Suga Could Also Dial In Reform
- Abe’s long-time ally wants more competition for phone carriers
- Would largely stick to Abenomics path while securing recovery
This article is for subscribers only.
Yoshihide Suga, the frontrunner in the race to become Japan’s next prime minister, is widely seen as a continuity candidate, but his past statements suggest he is a reform advocate who could shake up some of the country’s cosier industries if given a long enough mandate.
Abe’s staunch right-hand man has already called for greater competition among mobile phone carriers and hinted at the need for consolidation of the regional bank sector. While Suga has indicated he would stick to the Abenomics path that includes massive monetary stimulus and a flexible spending approach, he has also said more action will be taken if needed to save jobs.