Abe's death gives Kishida more leeway

Significance

Not all former prime ministers have sought to influence political affairs after retirement. However, since taking control of the largest faction within the party late last year, Abe had sought to work behind the scenes to protect his ‘legacy’ and promote a nationalist agenda.

Impacts

• Gains in yesterday's election give a boost to Kishida's stature within the ruling party.
• Kishida now embarks on a ‘golden three years’ in which he need not face an election.
• Constitution revision, which was Abe's greatest political ambition, stands a realistic chance of happening under Kishida.
• Policy changes are most likely in economic policy, where 'Abenomics' is widely seen as having failed to achieve its goals.
• Kishida will uphold Abe's prioritisation of US and Quad ties and pushback against China, which he helped formulate in the first place.