World
Abe, Japan’s Longest-Serving Premier, Resigns Due to Health
- Abe to stay on as leader until his party picks a successor
- Party member calls Abe’s decision ‘an absolute surprise’
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Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he would resign to undergo treatment for a chronic illness, ending his run as the country’s longest serving premier in an announcement that surprised some members of his party.
Abe confirmed reports that he was dealing with ulcerative colitis, a chronic digestive condition that also forced him to step down as premier in 2007. He said he would stay on until leaders of his Liberal Democratic Party hold an internal vote to pick a successor, and then he would like to remain a lawmaker after handing over power. The vote may be held Sept. 15, Kyodo news agency reported. A general election isn’t due until October 2021.