September 4, 2021

Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide, who is also the ruling Liberal Democratic Party president, on September 3 announced his decision to not run in the LDP presidential election set for later this month, effectively announcing his resignation as Prime Minister.

Later on the same day, Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo at a press conference in the Diet building said that PM Suga abdicated his responsibility after engaging in gross maladministration in the fight against COVID-19, including causing an explosion of infections and a breakdown in Japan’s medical care system through the forcible holding of the Olympic and Paralympic Games while displaying incompetence in effectively dealing with the pandemic.

Shii went on to say that PM Suga adhered to his high-handed style of politics as shown by the bulldozing through of the U.S. base construction in Okinawa’s Henoko as well as by the unconstitutional and lawless intervention in the Science Council of Japan’s selection of members. In addition, Shii pointed out that PM Suga never fulfilled his accountability about and showed no remorse over money-politics scandals which occurred under the Suga government.

Shii said that growing public criticism in regard to these issues has driven PM Suga to his decision to step down, and added, “This, at the same time, shows the failure of policies implemented by PM Suga and his predecessor Abe for nine years.”

Furthermore, Shii said that regardless of the results of the presidential race, the LDP will be incapable of breaking away from the Abe-and-Suga-style politics. He pointed out, “What the general public is calling for now is a dramatic change of government. The JCP will work hard to strengthen the ongoing collaboration of opposition parties and concerned citizens without delay in order to establish a pro-people government in the forthcoming general election.”