Japan Prime Minister Resigns

Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has resigned due to health reasons, BBC News reports. Abe who reportedly suffers from ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease reportedly said he did not want his ill health to affect decision making since his ailment worsened recently.

According to the publication, Abe will stay as Prime Minister until a successor is found. In his alleged emotional farewell Abe reportedly said:

I made a judgement I should not continue my job as a prime minister. 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.

Abe reportedly apologised for failing to fulfil his promises which are:

1. Forcing North Korea to return Japanese citizens abducted decades ago
2. Sorting out a territorial dispute with Russia
3. Overhauling the constitution to give more power to the military.

Following his resignation, Abes’ party the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) will have to vote within the party to replace him as a leader.

More: BBC News