How The Mighty Fall: Here’s What Happened To World Leaders In the UK, Japan, And Sri Lanka In A Week

Well, that escalated quickly.

Vladimir Lenin once said, “There are decades where nothing happens, and there are weeks where decades happen.”

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Recently, there’s no better example of this phenomenon than one eventful week in July. The world witnessed leaders succumb to resignation, assassination, and insurrection only days apart.

Here’s a recap of these climactic events involving leaders in the United Kingdom, Japan, and Sri Lanka.

United Kingdom’s Boris Johnson

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigned as the Conservative party leader on July 7. Consequently, he will only remain prime minister until the party finds his replacement.

“It is now clearly the will of the parliamentary Conservative party that there should be a new leader of that party and therefore a new Prime Minister,” Johnson said in a statement.

The British official lost support following events like violating lockdown rules, a controversial tax rise, pausing the suspension of Owen Paterson, and the Chris Pincher incident.

Japan’s Shinzo Abe

The following day, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated during a July 8 speech in Nara, Japan.

“Today, as the result of a sudden, outrageous act, former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo has passed away. The despicable act that took the life of Mr. ABE Shinzo, carried out in the middle of an election, the very basis of democracy, is absolutely intolerable, and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms,” Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said in a statement.

The tragedy came despite strict firearm regulations and the rareness of political violence in Japan.

Sri Lanka’s Gotabaya Rajapaksa

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa announced he will resign on July 13. This came after mass demonstrations on July 9 culminated in protesters overrunning his residence and offices.

“The decision to step down on 13 July was taken to ensure a peaceful handover of power. I therefore request the public to respect the law and maintain peace,” Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said in a video statement.

What is happening to the world?

The said leaders incidentally reacted to the news of one another. Particularly, Johnson and Rajapaksa gave their sympathies following Abe’s death.

In light of the “incredibly sad news about Shinzo Abe,” Johnson offered his thoughts with the Japanese figure’s family and loved ones.

“His global leadership through unchartered times will be remembered by many. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and the Japanese people. The UK stands with you at this dark and sad time,” Johnson said.

Rajapaksa likewise said the news “shocked and saddened” him.

“Deeply saddened by the tragic death of former Japan PM Shinzo Abe. Japan has lost a highly respected politician. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the LDP, and to the people of Japan,” Rajapaksa wrote.

Banner Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash

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