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Japanese Prime Minister Resigns

Scandals shatter public support for controversial leader

By Colleen Barry,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 12, 2007 1:48 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has announced he'll resign today in the wake of several cabinet-level scandals and the suicide of  a top official that has destroyed public confidence in his administration. After taking power just last year, Abe's nationalist Liberal Democratic Party lost the upper house of parliament to the opposition party in July.

Abe had hoped to improve Japan's standing with its Asian neighbors and revamp the country's pacifist constitution so it could play a larger role in military affairs. His revisions have proved extremely controversial in a country still gun-shy after World War II, and some argue that the nation's role in the Iraq war—Japanese ships refuel coalition vessels in the Indian Ocean—violates the constitution.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe holds a nationally televised press conference in Tokyo Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007. Abe announced on Wednesday he would resign, ending a year-old government that has suffered a string of damaging scandals and a humiliating electoral defeat. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe holds a nationally televised press conference in Tokyo Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007. Abe announced on Wednesday he would resign, ending a year-old government that has suffered...   (Associated Press)
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expresses his resignation at a nationally televised press conference in Tokyo Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007. In the present situation, it is difficult to push ahead with effective policies that win the support and trust of the public, he said. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expresses his resignation at a nationally televised press conference in Tokyo Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007. "In the present situation, it is difficult to push ahead with...   (Associated Press)
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announces he would resign at a nationally televised press conference in Tokyo Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007. In the present situation, it is difficult to push ahead with effective policies that win the support and trust of the public, he said. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announces he would resign at a nationally televised press conference in Tokyo Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007. "In the present situation, it is difficult to push ahead with...   (Associated Press)
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivers a keynote speech at the opening of an extraordinary Parliamentary session in Tokyo Monday, Sept. 10, 2007. Abe, whose year-old government has suffered a string of damaging scandals and a humiliating electoral defeat, has told ruling party leaders he intends to resign Wednesday, Sept....
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivers a keynote speech at the opening of an extraordinary Parliamentary session in Tokyo Monday, Sept. 10, 2007. Abe, whose year-old government has suffered a string...   (Associated Press)
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows before delivering a keynote speech at the opening of the 62-day extraordinary session at Parliament in Tokyo Monday, Sept. 10, 2007. Abe tried to rally backing for Japan's support of coalition forces in Afghanistan, a day after he said he would resign if lawmakers...
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows before delivering a keynote speech at the opening of the 62-day extraordinary session at Parliament in Tokyo Monday, Sept. 10, 2007. Abe tried to rally backing...   (Associated Press)
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announces he would resign at a nationally televised press conference in Tokyo Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007. In the present situation, it is difficult to push ahead with effective policies that win the support and trust of the public, he said. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announces he would resign at a nationally televised press conference in Tokyo Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007. "In the present situation, it is difficult to push ahead with...   (Associated Press)
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks at a nationally televised press conference in Tokyo Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007. Abe announced on Wednesday he would resign, ending a year-old government that has suffered a string of damaging scandals and a humiliating electoral defeat. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks at a nationally televised press conference in Tokyo Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007. Abe announced on Wednesday he would resign, ending a year-old government that has...   (Associated Press)
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Abe took back his threat to quit yesterday
Newser

Abe promised to stay in office after his party lost seats
Newser

 
Japan • Asia • Shinzo Abe • Liberal Democratic Party • resignation • Iraq war

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