Jacinda Ardern: New Zealand PM to step down before next election

CNN
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Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern Announcing Thursday that he would step aside for a new leader within weeks, he said he did not have the energy to run for re-election in the October election.

Speaking at a news conference, Ardern said her term would end on February 7, and she expected a new Labor prime minister to take office – although “depending on the process that may be earlier.”

“The decision is mine,” Ardern said. “Leading a country is the most privileged job anyone can have, but also the most challenging. It cannot and should not be done if you have a full tank and little room for unexpected challenges.

“I don’t have enough in the tank anymore [the job] Justice,” he added.

At the end of 2022, he said he had taken time to consider whether he had what it took to continue as prime minister – ultimately concluding it was time to step down.

However, he added: “I didn’t quit because it was difficult. If it had been, I would have gone to work for two months,” listing the various challenges his administration has faced, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2019 Christchurch terror attack and the volcanic eruption at Te Pua O Wakkari. .as a white island.

He added that the early notification would allow planning and preparation by government agencies and political parties.

The general election will be held on October 14.

When Ordern He became the Prime Minister in 2017 At 37, she was New Zealand’s third female leader and one of the youngest leaders in the world. Within a year, he was born in office – only the second world leader to do so.

He was re-elected for a second term in 2020, won by his government’s “go hard and go fast” approach to the pandemic, which helped New Zealand avoid the devastating outbreaks seen elsewhere.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tweeted praise for Ardern after Thursday’s announcement, saying she had “shown the world how to lead with wisdom and strength” and was “a great friend of mine”.

Ardern has won praise on the international political stage for her fresh and empathetic approach, but her popularity in New Zealand has waned in recent years.

A number of opinion polls in late 2022 showed declining support for Ardern and her Labor Party. The lowest since he took office in 2017According to CNN affiliate Radio New Zealand.