Ex-top diplomat Motegi vows to seek new ruling bloc if elected LDP chief

Former Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on Wednesday announced his candidacy for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election next month, saying he would seek a new coalition framework to bolster the LDP-led minority government and revive the country's economy if elected.Former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi plans to hold a press conference next week to announce his bid to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, while Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi is also expected to declare his candidacy at a press conference next week, sources close to t…READ FULL ARTICLE