Japan’s PM resigns due to ill health
Mr Abe has had ulcerative colitis for years - a long-term condition where the bowel becomes inflamed - and said his health had declined around the middle of last month.
Two recent hospital visits within a week fanned questions on whether he could stay in the job until the end of his term as ruling party leader, and hence, premier, in September 2021.
In a news conference the 65-year-old PM said: I cannot be prime minister if I cannot make the best decisions for the people. I have decided to step down from my post.
It is gut-wrenching to have to leave my job before accomplishing my goals. His departure marks the end of an unusual era of stability that saw the Japanese leader strike up strong ties with President Donald Trump even as Mr Abe's ultra-nationalism riled th...