Japan PM to resign following criticism of his Covid-19 response

Yoshihide Suga will step down as Japanese Prime Minister amid increasing anger over his government’s handling of COVID-19.

Suga announced that he would not seek re-election in this month’s leadership race for the ruling Liberal Democratic party.

The winner of that contest will lead the party in a general election that must be held by November 30.

Suga became Prime Minister just one year ago after long-serving Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stepped down over health concerns.

He said during a party meeting that he wanted to focus on the coronavirus pandemic instead of continuing on as the head of the LDP.