All TV networks reported on Wednesday evening that Prime Minister Abe stated in a speech at the convention of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the afternoon that he is definitely not seeking a fourth term as LDP president. He was shown saying: “The LDP’s rules clearly stipulate that the president can only serve for three consecutive terms or a total of nine years. My third term will truly be my last,” thus ruling out any plans to extend his term as LDP president.