Japan PM Apologizes for Personal Failures

Earlier on Tuesday, the cabinet gave its formal backing to Japanese PM Taro Aso's (center) plan to dissolve parliament. Photo by mutantfrog.com

Japan's Prime Minister Taro Aso has publicly apologised for what he called his failures and for his ruling party's string of local election losses.

He spoke hours after dissolving parliament ahead of an early general election scheduled for 30 August.

Opinion polls suggest the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) could lose heavily to the opposition Democratic Party (DPJ) in the election.

A DPJ victory would end five decades of almost uninterrupted rule by the LDP.

'"My shortcomings caused mistrust from the public and I apologise from my heart for this," Aso said to his party's legislators in a televised speech.

"I reflect humbly on this situation and will fulfil my responsibilities while keeping in mind the people who support the LDP."

He also apologised for a series of LDP defeats in local elections. It was after losing control of the Tokyo assembly two weeks ago that Aso said he was calling an election for 30 August.

Earlier on Tuesday, the cabinet gave its formal backing to Aso's plan to dissolve parliament.

Aso is the fourth prime minister since his party won the last election to the lower house of parliament in 2005.

 

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!