Japanese Prime Minister Suga to resign amid criticism of COVID-19 response

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Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga intends to step down amid growing criticism of his response to the COVID-19 pandemic, government sources said on Friday.

This development came just under a year after Suga took office and as his ruling Liberal Democratic Party prepares to hold its presidential election on September 29, with a campaign starting on September 17. Suga will not participate in the race, party officials said.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga arrives at his office in Tokyo on September 3, 2021, wearing a mask amid the coronavirus pandemic. (Kyodo) == Kyodo

The contest, which will now choose Suga’s successor, precedes general elections due to take place as the term of House of Representatives members expire on October 21.

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Fumio Kishida has already set his sights on the ring, while Sanae Takaichi, former Minister of Interior and Communications, has expressed interest in running.

Associated coverage:

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