Takaichi to retain Suzuki as LDP secretary-general, Aso as deputy president

Prime Minister Takaichi is arranging to retain Secretary-General Suzuki in the upcoming cabinet reshuffle and LDP executive appointments this month. Deputy President Aso is also expected to remain in his post. Suzuki, a senior figure in the Aso faction who supported Takaichi in the leadership election, is being kept on to strengthen the party's internal base. Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara's continued tenure is also considered likely. Both Suzuki and Aso, former finance ministers, were cautious about consumption tax cuts but previously unified the party by accepting Takaichi's intentions. Takaichi and Aso exchanged views privately last week, with party officials citing political stability as a key reason for retaining Suzuki.