Shinzo Abe has resigned over health concerns.

During a press conference on Friday, Japan’s Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, formally announced his resignation from the position.

“Even though there is one year to go in my tenure and there are challenges to be met, I have decided to stand down as prime minister,” said Abe. He went on to apologize to the Japanese public for leaving his position while the coronavirus pandemic is still raging around the world.

Abe is known to suffer from an incurable bowel disease known as colitis, and earlier in the week, he visited the Keio University Hospital twice consecutively for a diagnosis on his condition. The results of this diagnosis are what prompted him to vacate his seat.

“For almost eight years I controlled my chronic disease, however, this year in June I had a regular check-up and there was a sign of the disease,” he added. “I made a judgment that I should not continue my job as prime minister” said Abe. “I need to fight the disease and need to be treated.”

Abe currently holds the record for longest time in the Prime Minister’s office, having been elected to the position four times in 2007, 2012, 2017, and 2019, though he resigned from the position during his first term due to complications with his colitis.

Abe was a major figurehead of Japan’s right-wing party, the Liberal Democratic Party, and despite his departure, the LDP still holds control over both of the Japanese parliament’s houses, as well as a majority in their lower House of Reps. Due to this majority control, another LDP-representing prime minister is highly likely. Until a successor to the position is formally selected, Abe will still technically hold the position of prime minister.