Aso eyes Japanese PM's job
Outspoken conservative Taro Aso signalled his desire yesterday to be Japan's next prime minister after the abrupt resignation of Yasuo Fukuda deepened political turmoil in the world's second economy.
Fukuda made his shock announcement on Monday after less than one year in office, saying he was overwhelmed with the mounting problems besetting Japan, which is teetering on the brink of recession.
The new political uncertainty led to a late selloff on the Stock Exchange, whose benchmark index slumped 1.75 percent to its lowest level in five months.
Fukuda remains in office until his governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) meets to elect his replacement as leader. That is expected to be on September 22, after which parliament would formally endorse the new premier.
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