The Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe has decided to step down from his role. At the press conference held on Friday, local time, Abe confirmed his plans to resign as the Prime Minister of the country.

According to the reports provided by Public broadcaster NHK, in the last two weeks, Abe had to visit the hospital twice.

Abe acknowledged having ulcerative colitis since he was a child and said that he would continue to receive treatment and medication for the same.

In his address to people of Japan, Abe thanked everyone for their support and love and said he would continue to contribute to the betterment of the country in every way possible.

In conversation with media, Abe said, “I should continuously produce results. So, I have decided that I should not stay on as the prime minister. To the people of Japan, I would like to appreciate your support for almost eight years. I must ask you for your forgiveness that I am resigning now. I would like to use all my experience as a lawmaker to continue to fulfill my duties as a member of the Lower House.”

In summary, he didn’t want to create a political vacancy in the government due to his health issues, so he decided it would be better if he chose to step down.

Abe, for a long time, has been one of the most popular politicians among Japanese people. On August 24 this year, the 65-year-old became the longest-serving Prime Minister in the nation’s history.

Although, for the bulk of his tenure, his approval rating has been high and people happy. It is recently that Abe’s popularity and approval numbers dwindled mainly because of his way of handling the virus.

In addition to that, Abe’s popular policy title Abenomics had only limited success in bringing about a turnaround in Japan’s aging and shrinking population. Abe’s public opinion poll may have gotten some negative marks, but Abe still remains one of the most favored Japanese leaders.

Abe successfully steered the Japanese economy through the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami. As the Prime Minister, Abe saw the enthronement of the new Japanese Emperor. Abe also attempted to restart the economy from the infamous reflation of the country and introduced a string of structural reforms.

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party may announce Abe’s replacement intermittently as Abe doesn’t want seat to be vacant for long.