Shinzo Abe presser LIVE updates | Japanese Prime Minister resigns due to declining health Speculation about Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's health and tenure had risen recently after he made two visits to a hospital. Moneycontrol News

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on August 28 announced his resignation over declining health. He is addressing a news conference.

Speculation about the prime minister's health had been swirling for weeks but reached fever pitch in recent days after he made two separate trips to hospital for unspecified medical checks. He has battled the chronic disease ulcerative colitis for years.

Here's what Abe said at the news conference:

> “(As the prime minister) I should continuously produce results. So, I have decided that I should not stay on as the prime minister,” Abe said. He added that he did not want to create a “political vacancy” due to his illness.

> The 65-year-old acknowledged having ulcerative colitis since he was a teenager and has said the condition was controlled with treatment. He added that he will continue to receive medical treatment for the same.

> Abe said “now is the best time to step down” as number of COVID-19 infections in Japan have decreased in recent days and new measures for winter have been compiled.

> Japan's longest-serving prime minister, Abe said, “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."

> Asked about the succession plan, Abe said he will leave it up to the party and that he will not make any comments about the procedure. He declined to endorse any particular person as his successor.

> Asked about his expectation from the next administration, Abe said that he should not be making any “requests”. The next leadership must tackle the coronavirus-related issues, Abe added.

A senior member of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party had earlier confirmed that Abe is stepping down.

Hiroshige Seko, a party secretary general for the Upper House of the Japanese Parliament, confirmed that Abe told party executives he is resigning as prime minister.

Seko added that Abe said he decided to resign in order not to cause trouble.

Abe, whose term ends in September 2021, is expected to stay on until a new party leader is elected and formally approved by the parliament.

First Published on Aug 28, 2020 10:49 am