Tensions between Kishida and the former prime minister appear to be on the rise as Abe seeks to strengthen his faction and influence behind the scenes.
Kenta Izumi’s relative youth, while providing a fresh look for the CDP, could make dealing with more experienced politicians in the ruling and opposition parties more difficult.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s weeks-old government cleared its first major test in weekend national elections as his governing party secured just enough seats to maintain a free hand in pushing legislation through parliament