Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced Wednesday he will step down after a tumultuous year in office dogged by numerous scandals.

The premier said the main reason standing behind his resignation is the little support received for his policy, referring to the opposition’s hard-line stance towards Japan’s mission in the Indian Ocean.

Japanese vessels are providing refueling and logistic assistance to military aircrafts engaged in combat missions in Afghanistan, but the operation ends on November 1 and the leading opposition party the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) outlined it will not agree with an extension.

“I decided today to step down,” the premier said at a press conference held in Tokyo. “The refueling mission is a contribution to the international community, and it is my responsibility to continue the fight against terrorism.”

Both Abe and Washington officials said the mission is vital and Japan must prolong it, but the DJP leader Ichiro Ozawa reiterated he would not agree to promulgate a law extending the activity of Navy vessels in the Indian Ocean.

The DJP won majority in the House of Councillors two months ago and said Japan must stick by its pacifist constitution. The main opposition bloc intends to vote against the bill proposed by Abe during a session of the National Diet.

The rift between Abe and opposition members was outlined Wednesday when Ozawa refused to attend the meeting organized by the prime minister.

“It has become more difficult to push policies without the public trust and support,” Abe said, adding that without the “unifying forces” it is impossible to gain the population’s support.

Last September Abe was appointed the country’s prime minister during a special session of the Diet, becoming the youngest post-World War II premier. But his mandate was dogged by numerous scandals which shattered the government’s credibility and led to the resignation of five ministers. One minister committed suicide after being dragged into a corruption scandal.

In July, Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) registered a painful defeat in the legislative elections and lost majority in the upper house. Last month, Abe tried to restore the electorate’s confidence by reshuffling his cabinet.

But his measures didn’t provide the expected result, as the newly-appointed farm minister resigned after spending only one week in office. He is also involved in a financial scandal surrounding some misplaced funds.

Since July, Abe had to face a tremendous pressure exerted by coalition members and the opposition bloc. All asked him to resign, but the 52-year-old politician said he has a moral duty to the people and must complete his reforms.

Eventually, he gave in and announced he has decided to step down, but a precise date hasn’t been communicated yet.