Japan likely to choose new PM on Sept 17 after Abe's resignation: Report

Japan is reportedly planning to hold a special parliamentary session on September 17 to choose country’s new Prime Minister after Shizo Abe’s resignation anuncement. According to public brocaster NHK, ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) will decide on date and procedure to choose party chief on September 1 during a General Council meeting.

LDP lawmakers will reportedly meet around September 13-15 to choose party's president, followed by an extraordinary parliamentary session to new PM on September 17. Abe’s deteriorating health condition due to a relapse of ulcerative colitis, an intestinal disease, forced him to resign from high office but would stay until his party decides on successor.

LDP leer declined to endorse any possible candidate, stressing that he should t push his preference on party. However, outgoing PM said that he would like to see someone on prime ministerial position with a strong vision, sense of responsibility and passion.

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Race for PM

Several names for possible successor started doing rounds in local media after Abe’s resignation anuncement, which includes Deputy PM Taro Aso, chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga, Defense Minister Taro Ko, and Abe’s critic Shigeru Ishiba among ors. While 79-year-old Aso has long been considered as Abe’s successor, he anunced that he will t stand in party elections.

Meanwhile, Fumio Kishida, a former foreign minister considered as Abe’s personal choice for post; and Shigeru Ishiba have alrey thrown ir hats into ring. According to opinion polls conducted by Japanese media outlets, Ishiba has emerged as most popular choice as next Prime Minister. 

Yoshihide Suga, second-most popular choice as per opinion polls, has been a trusted lieutenant of Abe and has been working as a top government spokesperson. However, Suga was in midst of scandals which could sabot his chances. successor could also remain in a caretaker role as party will hold leership elections in 2021 ahe of general elections.

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