China News Service, August 29, reported that Shinzo Abe, who had just become the longest consecutive prime minister in Japanese history, announced on August 28 local time that he had resigned due to health reasons, which caused a great political shock. However, Abe stated that he does not consider "retiring" from politics and will participate in the next House of Representatives election as a member of the House of Representatives. At the same time, the election of the president of the later Liberal Democratic Party kicked off, and the new prime minister became the new focus.
At about 5 pm on August 28, local time, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced his resignation as prime minister at a press conference. The picture shows the scene of the press conference.
Deteriorating health conditions make it difficult to continue to perform as prime minister
On the afternoon of the 28th, the 65-year-old Shinzo Abe held a press conference at the official residence to express his intention to resign. He believes that his health has deteriorated and it is difficult to continue to perform his duties as prime minister.
Abe explained at the press conference that the recurrence of the chronic disease "ulcerative colitis" was diagnosed in early August and new drugs were started, and that "continuous medication is needed, and the situation is not optimistic."
He said: "In the pain of medical treatment, physical strength is not foolproof, it is impossible to make mistakes in important political judgments and fail to make results. I have decided to resign as prime minister."
Abe apologizes to all citizens for resigning amid the new crown epidemic. He emphasized that there will be no temporary agency and will continue to govern until a successor is elected.
Nishikawa Shinichi, a professor at the Graduate School of Political Economy at Meiji University in Japan, said that the new crown epidemic has become a real "national disaster." In this situation, changing the country’s ruling team is irresponsible. Experts believe that Abe's physical condition has deteriorated to the point where there is no choice.
However, Abe stated that he does not consider "retiring" from politics and "will participate in the next House of Representatives election as a member of the House of Representatives."
Data map: Shigeru Ishiba, former secretary general of the Japanese Liberal Democratic Party.
The election of the later president of the Liberal Democratic Party kicks off, and strong candidates express their intentions
The longest regime once known as the "Abe Domination" will end in about 7 years and 8 months since the second Abe cabinet came to power in December 2012. From the moment Abe announced his decision to resign, the election of the president of the Liberal Democratic Party has officially opened.
Kyodo News Agency of Japan reported that the Liberal Democratic Party delegated the time and form of the presidential election to Toshihiro Nikai at the emergency high-level meeting. The second-tier plan is voted by members of the Diet and 3 representatives from each prefectural branch association. This matter will be finalized at the general affairs meeting on September 1.
In view of the current political situation in Japan, the former secretary general of the Liberal Democratic Party, Shigeru Ishiba, the chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party’s political investigation, Fumio Kishida, the official cabinet chief Yoshihide Suga, and the Minister of Defense Taro Kono are all strong contenders for the prime minister of the “post-Abe era”. They also indicated their intention to participate in the election.
Kishida stated to the media that he was "willing to work hard for the people"; Ishiba said in the BS-TBS TV program that "there is no option not to stand for election"; Defense Minister Taro Kono stated that "I will advance my own work effectively"; Foreign Minister Motegi Minchong said, "I would like to discuss with everyone." In addition, the former general affairs officer Noda Seiko and the Liberal Democratic Party election countermeasures chairman Shimomura Hirofumi also expressed their interest in running for the election.
However, Taro Aso, deputy prime minister and financial minister, said at the faction cadre meeting: "I personally do not strive to become president."
Profile picture: South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Many countries express regret and are willing to maintain cooperation with the new prime minister and cabinet
After Abe announced his resignation, South Korean Blue House spokesperson Jiang Minshuo expressed regret and wished him a speedy recovery. He emphasized that South Korea is willing to maintain cooperation with the new prime minister and cabinet to further enhance the level of bilateral relations and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation.
Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov also expressed that the Kremlin regretted. "We hope that his successor will also follow the path of further developing Russia-Japan relations." The Kremlin first hopes that Abe will "solve his health problems as soon as possible."
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson posted a message on social networks that day, expressing gratitude to Abe for his work over the years and saying that he wished Abe "good health."