Jubilee Post News & Views
Special Desk
The Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has decided to step down and shall not even re-contest as a PM candidate. This has set the stage for a new premier after a one-year tenure marred by an unpopular COVID-19 response particularly and gradually sinking public support.
Suga said he will resign at an emergency meeting of senior members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Earlier, domestic media had reported that Suga was to call a snap election but Suga denied.
On September 14, 2020, Suga was elected to the presidency of the governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). After being confirmed in the Diet, Suga received an invitation from Emperor Naruhito to form a government as the new prime minister, and took office on 16 September 2020, replacing Shinzo Abe who resigned for health reasons.
As far as the next PM is concerned in japan, a party leader contest is slated September 29, and the winner is all but assured of being premier because of the LDP’s majority in the lower house.
Suga was struggling to shore up support and attract high-profile backers ahead of a leadership contest and a general election. The 72-year-old took office from his powerful predecessor with support of about 70%. But his ratings have sunk to record lows below 30% as Japan is battling its worst wave of COVID-19 infections and many of the LDP lawmakers are afraid to lose their seats. Former foreign minister, Fumio Kishida is challenging Suga for the party leader post.
The party leader contest is slated for September 29, and the winner is all but assured of being premier because of the LDP’s majority in the lower house. However, it is difficult to predict the outcome of the party leadership race as unlike last year, grassroots LDP members will vote along with its members of parliament. Government is considering holding the general election on October 17.
