"Prime Minister Abe Firmly Decides to Resign Due to Worsening Chronic Illness," Japanese Media Report in Unison (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has reportedly decided to resign due to health deterioration caused by a chronic illness, Japanese media unanimously reported on the 28th. This comes just ten days after rumors of health issues surfaced following his prolonged treatment at a hospital on the 17th. Prime Minister Abe is scheduled to explain his position and reasons directly at a press conference at 5 p.m. that day.

Local Japanese media such as NHK reported that Prime Minister Abe decided to resign to avoid hindering national affairs due to his health problems. Abe had been receiving extended treatment at Keio University Hospital in Tokyo on the 17th and 24th, sparking rumors of health issues. Subsequently, speculation about his resignation due to worsening chronic illness has been spreading within Japanese political circles.

If Prime Minister Abe officially resigns, his record as Japan's longest-serving prime minister is expected to come to an end. His total tenure, combining his first and second terms, exceeds eight and a half years. The first term lasted 366 days from September 26, 2006, to September 26, 2007, and the second term has reached 2,804 days since December 26, 2012, continuing to the present. On the 24th, Abe surpassed 2,799 consecutive days in office, setting the longest continuous tenure among Japanese prime ministers.

Regarding Japan's exercise of collective self-defense rights, Abe pushed for changes to security legislation and constitutional revision, but amid worsening public opinion and the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), he is expected to step down without achieving constitutional reform. Economically, he led the 'Abenomics' policy aiming to drive growth and rebuild after the collapse of the bubble economy in the 1990s, but recent economic growth rates have plummeted to the worst postwar levels due to the COVID-19 crisis.

The Liberal Democratic Party is expected to take follow-up measures immediately after Abe's press conference. Kyodo News reported that Abe is likely to express his intention to resign at an extraordinary LDP executive meeting, and the party is expected to swiftly elect a new party president.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.