Fukuda Resigns

Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda announced his resignation on September 1, 2008. He cited a political impasse resulting from a majority opposition in the parliament as the cause of his retirement.Guardian: Japanese PM... resigns (September 1, 2008) Fukuda was struggling to pass tax cuts and other economical laws, but grievances within the ruling coalition as well as in the upper house of the parliament prevented the legislation. Low approval ratings contributed to the general lack of support for his government.BBC News: Japan PM in surprise resignation (September 1, 2008)

"The power struggle in parliament has caused me many headaches. I have tried to talk things through with the opposition, but they have voted against every single important government bill."—The GuardianGuardian: Japanese PM... resigns (September 1, 2008)

"We can't allow progress to be stalled further, we must not create a political vacuum. Policy must be allowed to move forward so I have decided to step down as prime minister."—The GuardianGuardian: Japanese PM... resigns (September 1, 2008)

"I believe that now is the appropriate time as it will not inconvenience the Japanese people. The Japanese economy and Japanese people's livelihoods are at stake."—The GuardianGuardian: Japanese PM... resigns (September 1, 2008)