noun
incoming prime minister; prime minister-designate
Refers to the person expected to become the next prime minister, typically after an election or party leadership change, before officially taking office.
次期首相に選ばれた候補が記者会見を開いた。
The candidate chosen as the incoming prime minister held a press conference.
次期首相の政策方針に注目が集まっている。
Attention is focused on the policy direction of the prime minister-designate.
Compound of 次期 (じき, 'next term') and 首相 (しゅしょう, 'prime minister').