The COVID-19 Novel Corona Virus Pandemic has made things difficult for everybody, especially leaders of nations who have to be at the peak of their capabilities to steer the people of their nation to safety in these tough times. The Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is the longest serving premier in the history of the nation and is held in high esteem across different countries. His current term as leader of the ruling party and hence Premier of Japan, is set to end only in September 2021. However, media reports state that Shinzo Abe would be announcing his retirement from the post of Prime Minister, today!
It is being stated that Shinzo Abe has been battling a chronic illness for quite some time now and despite failing health, did not quit earlier to help Japan tide over the COVID crisis. Some reports speculate that he has been battling ulcerative colitis for years now and that it has gotten worse with the PM having to visit the hospital twice, within a week! Shinzo Abe has scheduled a News Conference for later today and is expected to announce his retirement, then! The talks in political circles are that Shinzo Abe is stepping aside now, to avoid pushing the ruling government into any problems because of his failing health, with opposition leaders already questioning it.
Shinzo Abe returned to power as the Prime Minister for a remarkable second term, in 2012! He had earlier assumed power in 2007 but had to step down owing to the same ulcerative colitis and now it looks to have come back to haunt him a second time around too. However, political analysts state that he will continue to remain in power until a successor is named. It is most likely that an election amongst the ruling Democratic Liberal Party's lawmakers and members will happen to decide who would succeed Abe as the Prime Minister. Just speculations over his resignation has already caused a huge dip in the stock market with Tokyo stocks plunging by over 2 percent! Stay tuned for updates...