Japan's struggling PM Suga steps down, sets stage for new leader

FILE PHOTO: Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga speaks during a news conference at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, Japan July 8, 2021. Nicolas Datiche/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

TOKYO (Reuters) -Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said in a surprise move on Friday he would step down, setting the stage for a new premier after a one-year tenure https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/fall-japan-pm-suga-triggered-by-criticism-over-pandemic-failure-communicate-2021-09-03 marred by an unpopular COVID-19 response and sinking public support.

Suga, who took over after Shinzo Abe resigned https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-politics-abe-resignation/japans-shinzo-abe-says-to-step-down-as-pm-apologies-from-bottom-of-my-heart-idUSKBN25O0ZX last September citing ill health, has seen his approval ratings drop below 30% as the nation struggles with its worst wave of COVID-19 infections ahead of a general election this year.