Abe Cools Speculation of New Term as Japan's Ruling Party Leader
- LDP Executive Nikai said this week another term was possible
- Abe set to become Japan’s longest-serving premier in November
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Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, already on course to become his country’s longest-serving premier, played down speculation that he would seek to extend his stay as ruling party leader, saying he is focused on his current term.
Abe told a parliamentary session Thursday it is a matter of course to follow ruling Liberal Democratic Party rules that prohibit serving a fourth-consecutive term as leader. But with no successors emerging and steady support for his government, some in the LDP camp have indicated Abe should stay on beyond his current term that ends in 2021.