Prime Minister announces resignation

Prime Minister Mori Yoshiro at last formally announced his resignation on April 6, just saying, "I've decided to step down" during the meeting of cabinet members which approved the emergency economic measures.

Mori was obviously obliged to step down due to his failed economic policy, gaffes, and the series of corruption scandals in just one year since he succeeded the former Prime Minister Obuchi Keizo, who was too ill to continue the prime ministership. Mori has also been boxed up as the leader of the three-party coalition government of the Liberal Democratic Party, the Komei Party, and the Conservative Party.

On Mori's resignation announcement, Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo said, "It was a resignation announcement long overdue."

Shii pointed out that the prime minister, who said he finished his job by working out the emergency economic measures and was stepping down, has yet to reflect on the people's criticism of his failed policies and frequently made problematic remarks. "This is not acceptable," he added.

The responsibility of the three coalition parties for appointing such a prime minister and supporting him thereafter must be keenly questioned, Shii also added. (end)