InsideJapan News Network

Taro Aso, the newly elected leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has become the new prime minister of Japan.

Mr Aso, a Catholic conservative and former Olmpic sharpshooter, became premier after the lower house - controlled by the LDP - overruled the upper house which voted for opposition leader Ichiro Ozawa, reported the Associated Press.

He told reporters: "If you look at the current period, it's not a stable one [...] These are turbulent times with the financial situation and everything else."

A new cabinet is expected to be formed soon and may include controversial choices such as the right-wing former economics minister Shoichi Nakagawa.

Mr Nakagawa, along with Mr Aso, challenged Japan's pacifist orthodoxy a couple of years ago when they both suggested that the country should consider acquiring nuclear weapons.

Among the main challenges facing Mr Aso are reviving Japan's economy and winning upcoming elections.



Related news stories:
Aso speaks of leadership credentials (2nd September 2008)
Aso to visit Obama in Washington (24th February 2009)
Aso pledges job creation (28th January 2009)
Minister's resignation increases pressure on Aso (13th January 2009)
Aso apologises for gaffe about Japan's OAPs (28th November 2008)