Japan’s Ruling Party, Following Global Trend, Veers Right

(The Wall Street Journal) — Sanae Takaichi’s victory in a leadership election in Japan represents another notable win for a resurgent global conservatism that is drawing strength from voter anger over issues such as immigration and stubborn inflation.

From the U.S., where President Trump’s protectionist America First agenda won him re-election in November, to Italy, France, Germany and the U.K., right-leaning parties with a populist vibe have turfed out centrist incumbents or are riding high in the polls as voters seek new answers on the economy and society after decades of market-led liberalism.