Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda announced Monday that he will step down from the post due to difficulties in implementing key policies such as one to address the nation's slowing economy, a step that will put an end to his government launched only in September last year. Kyodo reported ''It is necessary to try to implement measures under a new framework...I thought now is the best time (to resign) to avoid a political vacuum,'' Fukuda, 72, told a hastily convened news conference. Fukuda, who doubles as president of the dominant Liberal Democratic Party, also said he instructed LDP Secretary General Taro Aso to prepare to hold a party presidential election to pick his successor, who will thus become prime minister. Fukuda denied he has any health problems when announcing his resignation. Fukuda, who took over the government from ailing Shinzo Abe, has been struggling with dismal support rates, despite a major Cabinet reshuffle he implemented in August.
