Japan PM Fukuda resigns in surprise move

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2008

TOKYO, Sept 1, 2008 (AFP) — Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda announced his sudden resignation Monday, calling for a fresh start after a troubled year in power that saw bitter fighting with the opposition.

The surprise announcement came after the 72-year-old political moderate failed to turn around dwindling public support for his government despite reshuffling his cabinet and unveiling a major economic stimulus package.

"Today, I have decided to resign. We need a new line-up to cope with a new session of parliament," Fukuda told a hastily arranged news conference.

"I have determined that now is the most opportune time, in which we will not create a political void," he said.

"I thought it would be quite different if somebody new would take care of...