"I made a judgment that I should not continue my job as prime minister" said Abe. Both his grandfather and great uncle served as prime minister , and his father was a former secretary general of the LDP. In 2003, Abe became secretary general of the LDP, and four years later the party's president and prime minister of Japan. His first term was marred by controversies and worsening health, and he stepped down as party leader and prime minister in 2007, eventually returning to both positions in 2012. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison added that Abe is "Australia's true friend," calling him "a man of integrity and wisdom."

Source: CNN August 28, 2020 06:22 UTC