Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday announced that he is resigning from his post following his deteroriating health.
Prime Minister’s declining health has been an issue of concern for weeks now but heightened in recent few days after he had to make several trips to hospital for undisclosed medical conditions.
Abe announced his resignation in a news conference on Friday, wherein he addressed his ill-health in public for the first time.
The 65-year-old said he wanted to avoid causing problems to the government because of his worsening condition. He accepted having ulcerative colitis since he was a teenager and has said the condition was controlled with treatment. He also said that he will continue his treatment for the same.
“I have decided to step down from the post of the prime minister. I cannot be prime minister if I cannot make the best decisions for the people.”
“To the people of Japan, I would like to appreciate your support for almost eight years. I must ask you (citizens) for your forgiveness that I am resigning now.”
“I would like to use all my experience as a lawmaker to continue to fulfil my duties as a member of the Lower House,” Abe said.
Abe is the longest serving prime minister of Japan. He marked his 2799th consecutive day in office since his second stint as prime minister in 2012.
Abe first became Japan’s prime minister in 2006 after he was elected leader of the ruling Liberal Democrative Party.
