Former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, left his office. (Image via Foreign Policy)

Abe and cabinet resign to make way for change

Confirmed on Wednesday by the Parliament, Shinzo Abe and members of his cabinet resigned in order to make way for the changes. Previously, in late August, Shinzo Abe stepped down from his seat as the Prime Minister (PM) of Japan, due to his health condition. Abe is suffering from ulcerative colitis and the treatment is administered through IV. While his condition is steadily improving, he decided to resign due to his weakness.

Regarding his health, Abe stated that he is undergoing treatment and recuperating. As a lawmaker and former PM, Abe congratulated his once right-hand man, Yoshihide Suga, for becoming the new leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Monday, and will support Suga as the new PM. Abe also thanked the Japanese people's support for Suga's leadership. As Suga has been elected LDP's leader, he is certain to fill the PM's seat after the extraordinary Diet session on Wednesday because of LDP's majority in the Parliament.

A loyal supporter for Abe since his first tenure in 2006 - 2007, Suga also helped Abe regain back his PM position in 2012 until resigning in 2020. Therefore, Suga pledged to continue Abe's "Abenomics" policy in restoring Japan's economy amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemics.

Source: https://bit.ly/2FDXgXB