Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, has announced his resignation due to his poor health.
Japan’s longest-serving premier made the announcement on Friday, August 28, 2020, bringing his leadership of the world’s third-largest economy to an end.
“I cannot be Prime Minister if I cannot make the best decisions for the people. I have decided to step down from my post,” he said in a news conference.
Abe has suffered from the disease known as ulcerative colitis for years and his recent visits to the hospital had raised questions on whether he could remain in his position until the end of his term in September 2021.
His resignation is sure to lead to a leadership race in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, which will most likely be in two or three weeks’ time.
