Current Affairs - Politics

Shigeru Ishiba, leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, took office as Japan's 103rd Prime Minister at the age of 67, succeeding Fumio Kishida who resigned amid scandals. Ishiba's political career spans over three decades, with notable positions including Minister of Defense and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. He has been a member of the House of Representatives since 1986 and became the President of the Liberal Democratic Party in 2024. Ishiba's leadership marks a significant shift in Japan's political landscape.

Alix Didier Fils-Aime, a Haitian businessman and politician, took office as the interim Prime Minister of Haiti on November 10, 2024, succeeding Garry Conille who was dismissed by the Transitional Presidential Council. Fils-Aime's appointment comes at a critical time as Haiti grapples with escalating gang violence, deepening the country's humanitarian and security crisis. Born on November 14, 1971, Fils-Aime has a background in business and politics, having studied at Boston University. His priorities include addressing insecurity and conducting uncontested elections to stabilize the country.

Duma Boko, leader of the Umbrella for Democratic Change, made history by becoming Botswana's 6th president, marking a significant shift in the country's politics. As the presidential candidate of the Umbrella for Democratic Change, Boko's victory ended nearly six decades of rule by the Botswana Democratic Party. His leadership experience includes heading the Botswana National Front since 2010 and serving as the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly from 2014 to 2019. Boko's inauguration on November 1, 2024, signalled a new era for Botswana.

Luong Cuong was elected as Vietnam's President with 91.67% of the vote during the 8th session of the National Assembly, replacing To Lam. Cuong, who began his military career in 1975 and achieved the rank of Major General by 2006, has held significant roles, including Chief of the General Department of Politics in the Vietnam People’s Army. He is expected to serve as President until 2026, taking on key responsibilities assigned by the party and the state.

Prabowo Subianto, a former special forces commander, has become the 8th President of Indonesia after winning the February 14 election with nearly 60% of the vote. He is focusing on policies such as providing free meals for schoolchildren, reflecting his commitment to improving social welfare. Indonesia, the world's third-largest democracy and the most populous Muslim-majority nation, is now led by the 73-year-old leader.