Prime Minister of Japan resigns amidst troublesome health condition

The Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe announced at a news conference on Friday that he will step down after a record seven years and eight months amidst troublesome health conditions, DAILY TIMES gathered.

According to the 65-year-old Abe, he resigned to ‘avoid causing problems’ for the government because of his deteriorating health conditions.

“I have decided to step down from the post of the prime minister. I cannot be the prime minister if I cannot make the best decisions for the people.” Abe said, saying he was suffering from the same condition that ended his first term in office.

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Abe has battled ulcerative colitis for years and two recent hospital visits within a week had left the people with questions about his ability to stay in the job until the end of his term as the ruling party leader, and hence, premier, in September 2021.

“I would like to sincerely apologise to the people of Japan for leaving my post with one year left in my term of office, and amid the coronavirus woes, while various policies are still in the process of being implemented,” said Abe, bowing deeply.

Prior to this time, there have been rumors about the Prime Minister’s health for many weeks but has wound up in recent days following his two separate trips to the hospital for unspecified medical checks.    

A national broadcaster NHK predicted without identifying the source: “Abe intends to resign as his illness has worsened and he worries it will cause trouble in leading Japan,” according to the broadcaster.        

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Abe took three days off from work this month and reappeared to visit the hospital for medical checks on August 17, staying there for more than seven hours.

After one week, he made a second visit to the same hospital for additional tests and said at the time that he intended to continue in the job.