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

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. Otherwise, nothing significant can be accomplished,” Koizumi said during an internet TV program.