Japanese Abe says he wants to do his best on the job, amid health concerns

TOKYO (Reuters) – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wants to take care of his health and do his utmost best in his job, he said on Monday, after a second visit to the hospital in days, raising concerns about whether he could remain leader. the third largest in the world.

The visit came when Japan’s long-serving prime minister half a century ago set a record for the longest consecutive term as prime minister appointed by his great-uncle Eisaku Sato, adding to speculation Abe could resign after reaching the milestone.

Abe, criticized for his handling of coronavirus outbreaks and some scandals, has recently slipped from a slate in voter support to one of the lowest levels since returning in 2012 for a second term with promises to rebuild the economy and increase defense.

“I want to take care of my health and do my best in my job,” Abe told reporters during his official stay, after a visit to a Tokyo hospital, where he said he had done exam results last week. and underwent additional investigations.

Abe, who turns 66 next month, also said he later wanted to talk about his medical tests again.

Earlier, government spokeswoman Yoshihide Suga said Abe had a follow-up to a check-up a week ago when his investigation lasted 7-1 / 2 hours, raising concerns about his health.

But major broadcaster Nippon TV said Abe was being treated for a chronic illness instead of a checkup, citing multiple unidentified government and governing party sources.

Abe has been prime minister since 2012 in his second stint after a troubled term from which he was abruptly discharged in 2007, due to battling ulcerative colitis, a disease he now controls with drugs not previously available.

“NOT ALL” WORRIED

His office did not provide a detailed explanation for the visits to the hospital, but closure of Assistant Health Minister Katsunobu Kato said last week’s visit was a regular check and he was “not at all” concerned about Abe’s health.

Japanese media have been speculating this month about Abe’s health, including detailed reports about his running speed.

Weekly magazine Flash said Abe had spilled blood in his office on July 6. Reuters could not verify the rapid report, which was rejected by government officials.

Abe receives a regular checkup twice a year, with his most on June 13, Kyodo news agency said, adding that last week’s visit was a follow-up to a checkup in June, with a source from the hospital.

If Abe becomes indecent, Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso, 79, who is acting finance minister, would temporarily take over as acting prime minister.

If Abe says he has decided to resign, he would remain until formally replaced, which requires a governing presidential election of the Liberal Democratic Party, followed by the formal election of the winner in parliament.

Abe’s term as LDP president, and thus as prime minister, will end in September 2021, unless he resigns earlier.

Those tipping as possible successors include Aso, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, Suga, and Defense Minister Taro Kono.

All in all, veterans of LDP legislators are unlikely to make major policy changes, despite differences over details.

But any successor may find it difficult to emulate the political longing of Abe, which followed years of revolving doors and was helped by the strong economy, tight control over bureaucrats and weak opposition parties.

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