September 04, (THEWILL) – Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga will step down as his party’s leader over mounting criticism of his government’s management of COVID-19.
The shock announcement comes as PM Suga’s approval ratings plunged to an all-time low.
“The battle against the coronavirus takes a vast amount of energy and I don’t feel it is possible to carry on with that and fight the upcoming election for the party leadership,” PM Suga, said in a brief statement.
Suga took office less than a year ago, stepping up after serving as Chief Cabinet Secretary and government spokesperson.
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is due to hold its leadership election on 29th September and Suga had been widely expected to seek re-election.
A general election must also be held this year.
Japan, still under a state of emergency is now grappling with its worst-ever COVID wave.
The country, which has now seen more than 1.5 million virus cases, has also seen a slow vaccination rollout.
The decision to host the Olympics Games this year despite the worsening pandemic also made the matter worst.
