Japan’s PM Shinzo Abe resigns over health concerns

[harrybarracuda]

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abeon Friday confirmed he was resigning for health reasons, in a move that would end his tenure as the country’s longest serving premier.

He said he had suffered a relapse of his chronic illness, ulcerative colitis, and since the middle of July his health had deteriorated and he had lost much of his energy and strength.

“I have been struggling with my illness and I have to get treatment. Poor health should not lead to wrong political decisions. I should continuously produce results,” Abe said in a press conference that was translated by local broadcaster NHK.

He said he would stay on until leaders of his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) held an internal vote to pick a successor, and then he would like to remain a lawmaker after handing over power. A general election is not due until October of next year.

Japan’s PM Shinzo Abe resigns over health concerns, apologises for leaving amid Covid-19 pandemic | South China Morning Post

[panama hat]

Abe's been quite a good leader, he has his detractors of course . . . and brought stability to the political landscape. Hope he recovers and returns to work

[hallelujah]

A serious case of the Tom Tits for Shinzo.

[cyrille]

He described it as 'a gut wrenching decision'.