Japan’s unpopular PM signals he’s ready to quit

Japan's ruling Democratic Party is aiming to hold a party leadership election, to replace unpopular Prime Minister Naoto Kan as early as August 28th. Kan says he's ready to step down soon after two key bills are passed in parliament, which also looks likely by late August.

Naoto Kan said, "The two bills are now being discussed in parliament. It is inappropriate to resign at this time. When the bills are enacted, we will quickly prepare for the DPJ's presidential election."

The bills Kan mentioned are a bond-issuance bill and an energy bill. The bond-issuance bill will allow the government to borrow more to fund this year's one trillion US dollar budget. And the other key bill aims to promote the use of renewable energy. Kan also says his cabinet has done what it had to do and he has no regrets. Kan's likely stepping down sets the stage for Japan's sixth prime minister in five years. Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda and former Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara have expressed willingness to run for the position.

Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan (L) speaks with Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda as they attend a committee meeting in parliament's lower house in Tokyo August 10, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan attends a committee meeting in parliament's lower house in Tokyo August 10, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

全球公众传媒摘编：GAN JADE