Japan's former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is killed in an assassination attempt. His death caused shock around the world. Former Chancellor Merkel laments the loss of a "political companion". In a personal statement, she writes: "He was a close colleague and friend to me."
In a very personal statement, former Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed her deep shock at the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. "Japan and the world are losing a great statesman with Shinzo Abe. With him I am losing a political companion," wrote the CDU politician in a statement published on her website.
Abe's word carried weight. "His decisions were reliable. His sense of humor helped to overcome resistance. He was a close colleague and friend to me," emphasized Merkel. Abe was shot dead in an attack in the Japanese city of Nara on Friday. The 41-year-old perpetrator was arrested at the scene of the crime.
Merkel described the assassination as cowardly and vile. Her first thoughts are with Abe's wife and family. Merkel had met Abe many times in Germany, in Japan and at international conferences. "We have always been guided by the common goal of tackling the great challenges of our time in partnership, both in our bilateral relationship and between Japan and the European Union, as well as multilaterally," she wrote. German-Japanese relations became even closer during his tenure.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz also reacted "stunned and deeply saddened" to Abe's death. "Even in these difficult hours, we stand closely by Japan's side." Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said: "I am shocked by the news that Shinzo Abe was shot. My thoughts are with him and his family."
Abe's death caused horror in many countries. French President Emmanuel Macron said: "Japan is losing a great prime minister who dedicated his life to his country and worked for world balance." Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Abe's "global leadership in unprecedented times will be remembered by many." Italy's Prime Minister Mario Draghi praised Abe as a "great advocate of Japanese and international political life". He also praised his "innovative spirit and vision for reform".
US President Joe Biden condemned the assassination. "I am stunned, outraged and deeply saddened by the news that my friend Abe Shinzo was shot dead while campaigning. This is a tragedy for Japan and for all who knew him," it said in a statement. "Even the moment he was attacked, he was a pro-democracy activist. While we don't know many details, we know that violent attacks are never acceptable and that gun violence always leaves a deep scar," Biden said. "The United States stands with Japan at this moment of grief. I offer my deepest condolences to his family."
The Kremlin in Russia spoke of a "serious, irreplaceable loss". Abe was an "outstanding statesman" who did a lot for the development of "good neighborly relations between our countries," President Vladimir Putin was quoted as saying.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the "brutal and cowardly murder" that shocked the world. EU Council President Charles Michel said: "Japan, the Europeans mourn with you." According to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Abe was "a champion of democracy and my longtime friend and colleague".
