If Shinzo Abe Becomes PM Again, He Would Be Longest-Serving In Japan’s History

Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe is to run for leadership election in his ruling, conservative party and this may lead him to become the longest-serving premier of the country.

It is expected he would be re-elected as head of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) easily as there is just one challenger, former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba.

Addressing to the press he said, “I have decided to lead Japan as the LDP leader and the prime minister for three more years, and with this determination I will run for the leadership election next month.”

He added further demographic issues would be mainly focused which is being raised by rapidly ageing society of the world’s third-largest economy. Abe mentioned attention would be paid to the tumultuous changing international situation too.

With his win in September 20 election Abe to continue being in power for another three-year term with no real political party opposition standing against him.

Meanwhile, his rival Ishiba said two of the biggest challenges to the country are regional security threat from North Korea and the demographic concerns within the country.

Abe again came back to power in December 2012 following landslide victory of his party. In 2007 he was forced resign after about a year of becoming PM.

Until now Taro Katsura has been the longest serving prime minister in the country. He served thrice between June 1901 to August 1913.

If Abe wins, he will become the longest serving in history of Japan.