TOKYO, Sept 1: Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda announced his sudden resignation on Monday, saying the country needed a fresh start after a troubled year in office marred by bitter fighting with the opposition.

The surprise announcement came after the 72-year-old political moderate failed to turn around dwindling public support for his government despite reshuffling his cabinet and unveiling a major economic stimulus package.

Fukuda, under fire over a deeply unpopular medical care plan for the elderly, admitted he felt “swamped” dealing with the problems of the world’s second largest economy.

“Today, I have decided to resign. We need a new line-up to cope with a new session of parliament,” Fukuda told a hastily arranged news conference.

“I have determined that now is the most opportune time, in which we will not create a political void,” he said.

“I thought it would be quite different if somebody new would take care of this.” Fukuda said his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) would hold an internal election to determine his successor. He did not call a general election, which does not need to be held for another year.

The likely front-runner to take over the post is Taro Aso, a former foreign minister who is known for being both more charismatic and more conservative than Fukuda.

Fukuda, who in July presided over the annual summit of the Group of Eight major industrial powers, is known for his moderate policies including his efforts to repair historically uneasy relations with China.—AFP