Challenges awaiting abe after party election win
Jiji -- Sep 21
Many challenges are awaiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as he won a third consecutive term as president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party in an election on Thursday.

One focal point in domestic affairs is whether he will raise the consumption tax rate from the current 8 pct to 10 pct in October 2019 as planned.

It is also crucial whether he will achieve results in efforts to resolve North Korea's nuclear, missile and abduction issues and a territorial dispute with Russia.

"I'll face up to the national crisis of an aging population and the raging waves of turbulent international situations," Abe told a news conference after winning the LDP leadership election.

He has so far postponed the consumption tax increase to 10 pct twice after raising the levy from 5 pct to 8 pct in April 2014. Another postponement could batter confidence in his administration.

News source: Jiji