Global General

Special

Newsmaker

Asia Pacific

America

Middle East

Europe

Africa

Japanese PM Fukuda and his cabinet resign

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-09-24 09:54

TOKYO -- Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and his Cabinet have handed in their expected resignation to pave the way for Taro Aso to become Japan's third leader since 2006.

Newly elected Liberal Democratic Party President Taro Aso speaks during a press conference at the party headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, Monday, Sept. 22, 2008. [Agencies]

Related readings:  Japan's new PM faces challenges  Aso set to become Japan's new PM  Taro Aso poised to become Japan's next PM  Chinese president pledges closer economic ties with Japan

Aso is a conservative former foreign minister who clinched the presidency of the ruling party on Monday. He is all but guaranteed to be elected prime minister later on Wednesday. His Liberal Democratic Party dominates the powerful lower house of parliament.

Fukuda had announced he would step down three weeks ago after only a year in office, citing slumping support ratings and the strain of dealing with strong political opposition.