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Japanese PM and cabinet step down Japanese PM and cabinet step down
(10 minutes later)
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his entire cabinet have officially resigned, clearing the way for a new government, reports say.Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his entire cabinet have officially resigned, clearing the way for a new government, reports say.
Yasuo Fukuda is expected to be chosen as PM by parliament later on Tuesday.Yasuo Fukuda is expected to be chosen as PM by parliament later on Tuesday.
Mr Fukuda, 71, was chosen on Sunday to replace Mr Abe by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).Mr Fukuda, 71, was chosen on Sunday to replace Mr Abe by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
Mr Abe has been treated in hospital for stress-related stomach problems since he quit 12 days ago, throwing the country into political confusion.Mr Abe has been treated in hospital for stress-related stomach problems since he quit 12 days ago, throwing the country into political confusion.
His formal resignation ends a year-long premiership plagued by ministerial scandals.His formal resignation ends a year-long premiership plagued by ministerial scandals.
It culminated in disastrous upper house election losses in July.It culminated in disastrous upper house election losses in July.
The BBC's correspondent in Tokyo, Chris Hogg, says Mr Fakuda has a tough task ahead of him as his party is unpopular and the opposition plans to block his legislative programme. The BBC's correspondent in Tokyo, Chris Hogg, says Mr Fukuda has a tough task ahead of him as his party is unpopular and the opposition plans to block his legislative programme.