Japan's Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda on Monday announced his resignation after less than a year at the helm, presiding the world's second biggest economy that has showed signs of decline.
"Today, I have decided to resign. We need a new line-up to cope with a new session of Parliament," Fukuda, whose government is reeling under dismal public support rates, told a hastily arranged news conference at his residence.
"We need a new team to carry out policies," the 72-year-old Japanese leader said, adding, "I thought now is the best time (to resign) to avoid a political vacuum."
The surprise announcement came as his government suffered chronic unpopularity. Lost pension records, an unpopular healthcare scheme and a sliding economy have added to his woes, Japanese media reports said.
Fukuda has also been frustrated by the upper house of Parliament, which is controlled by the opposition.
He said he has made the decision in light of the tense situation in Parliament. The opposition Democratic Party won control of one house last year and has aggressively fought Fukuda's agenda.
"The Democratic Party has tried to stall every bill so it has taken a long time to implement any policies. For the sake of the Japanese people, this should not be repeated," Fukuda said.
Image: Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda announces his resignation at a press conference at his official residence in Tokyo.
Text: PTI | Photograph: Yoshikazu Tsuno/AFP/Getty Images
