International   

Abe’s decision, a surprise U-turn

SINGAPORE: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, at the helm for about a year, has resigned citing his failure to secure the people’s trust to pursue reforms and defending his commitment to back the United States-led “war on terrorism” in far-away theatres.

Mr. Abe’s decision on Wednesday came as a surprise U-turn in the wake of his assertion two days ago to stay the course. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), main constituent of the ruling coalition, is expected to choose Mr. Abe’s successor on September 19. Taro Aso, LDP Secretary General, is seen by political observers as a front-runner to become the next Prime Minister.

Mr. Aso was till recently the Foreign Minister.

Mr. Abe said: “I felt I should not stop the reform and the direction [set under it].” Speaking about his other political plank that crumbled under his feet, he said, “Japan needs to continue its fight against terrorism.”

PHOTO: AP

CAVES IN TO PRESSURE: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe leaves after announcing his resignation at a nationally televised press conference in Tokyo on Wednesday. Mr. Abe, whose government has been hit by scams and an electoral defeat, said it would be difficult for him to regain public trust.

And, in a parting punch-line, he said his continuance as Prime Minister had “perhaps become an obstacle” to the passage of legislation for sustaining the anti-terror offensive. He was referring to Japan’s offshore mission of refuelling the U.S.-led ships engaged in the ‘anti-terror war’ in Afghanistan.

The refuelling takes place in the Indian Ocean region and is authorised under a special legislation in view of Japan’s continued constitutional adherence to a policy of pacifism.

While Mr. Abe’s reform agenda includes a possible revision of the pacifist principle, his more immediate concern was to remain a steadfast ally of the U.S. and secure parliamentary approval for extending the special law. With the Opposition, led by the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), having won a majority in the House of Councillors, the upper chamber of Parliament, Mr. Abe felt thwarted in his efforts. He even mooted the idea of a suitable substitute-legislation, as different from a renewal of the existing special law, to try and win over the Opposition.

However, DPJ leader Ichiro Ozawa said it was “impossible” for the Opposition to change its thinking on this issue just because the ruling LDP was now going to change its leader.While Japan is no stranger to the politics of musical chairs at the helm, Mr. Abe’s sudden exit has come as a novelty after his predecessor Junichiro Koizumi’s long stay at the top.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Ten killed in massive earthquake
Abe’s decision, a surprise U-turn
Russia unveils “father of all bombs”
Zubkov is Russian Premier
Red List released
The century plant springs a surprise
The politics of comic books
The mega-web they have spun

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu