Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced on Friday that he will be stepping down from his position in September. Kishida, who took office just last October, cited health reasons for his decision to resign.
Kishida, 65, said in a press conference that he has been suffering from fatigue and that his doctor has advised him to reduce his workload. He also mentioned that he wants to focus on his health and spend more time with his family.
During his time as Prime Minister, Kishida faced several challenges, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the upcoming general election, and diplomatic tensions with China and South Korea. Despite these challenges, Kishida was praised for his handling of the pandemic and his efforts to strengthen Japan’s economy.
Kishida, a member of the conservative Liberal Democratic Party, has been in politics for over 25 years. He previously served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications before becoming Prime Minister.
His resignation comes at a critical time for Japan, as the country prepares for a general election in October. Kishida’s successor will have to navigate the country’s economic recovery from the pandemic, as well as address issues such as aging population, climate change, and national security.
In a statement, Kishida thanked the Japanese people for their support and said that he is confident that his successor will continue to lead the country in the right direction. He also expressed his hope that Japan will overcome the challenges it faces and emerge stronger than ever.
As Japan prepares for a new leader, speculation has already begun about who will succeed Kishida as Prime Minister. Potential candidates include former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, current Minister of Finance Taro Aso, and former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
Whoever takes over as Japan’s next Prime Minister will face a daunting task of leading the country through uncertain times. It remains to be seen who will be able to fill Kishida’s shoes and continue his efforts to move Japan forward.