Prime Minister Shinzo Abe apologized to the nation Monday for suspending the crucial Diet session and damaging public trust in the government with his sudden Sept. 12 resignation announcement.
The outgoing prime minister held a news conference at Keio University Hospital in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, a day before newly elected Liberal Democratic Party President Yasuo Fukuda will replace him and form a new Cabinet.
"The first thing I want to apologize for is that I decided to step down at an important time at the onset of the Diet session and with the worst timing after delivering a policy speech, which stalled Diet discussions," said a weary-looking Abe, his voice shaking.