Who is Chris Hipkins, the new Prime Minister of New Zealand? | TV5MONDE

“It is the greatest privilege and greatest responsibility in my life.said Chris Hipkins, now that he had officially become Prime Minister. “He thought to himself.”Motivated, impulsive” And “excited“Facing Al”challenges that ariseThe country will hold general elections in October 2023.

The first leader of the Labor Party was appointed on Sunday 22 January, and the 44-year-old was formally appointed on Wednesday 25 January by the Governor-General, King Charles III’s representative to New Zealand.

“I hope New Zealanders see me as someone who is forthright, unafraid to admit mistakes, and self-denying.The new head of government confirmed to reporters.

Covid, police, education,…

Chris Hipkins has won praise for his nearly two-year tenure as Minister in charge of the fight against COVID-19. The country had closed its borders to stave off the pandemic, only reopening in August 2022. Last year, he admitted that people were tired of the strict health restrictions, describing border closures as “difficult“.

Political columnist Josie Pagani called it “Sensitive, sympathetic, tough and competent“.”I think I am relatively frank and relatively comprehensive. People won’t die wondering what I’m thinkingChris Hipkins added to reporters outside parliament in Wellington.

He became police minister in June 2022, a key role given criticism of the government’s crime record. Previously, he served as Minister of Education and Public Service for more than five years.

Chris HepkinsHe would be an incredibly powerful prime ministerJustice Minister Kerry Allan, a Māori Labor MP, expected her to put herself forward for the position.

“He is very capable and has proven himself to New Zealand as one of our most important ministers over the past six years.I asked.

Chris Hipkins, who describes himself as “Outdoor enthusiast“I love mountain biking, hiking and swimming, studied politics and criminology at the University of Victoria and later worked in the industrial training sector.

Before becoming an MP in 2008, he was Senior Adviser to two Education Ministers and former Prime Minister Helen Clark.

(Good-bye : New Zealand: Chris Hipkins appointed as the next Prime Minister

Involvement in Australian scandals

Chris Hipkins has been involved in high-profile disputes with the former Australian Conservative government. And in 2021 he accused Australia of “Export your trashTo New Zealand – a reference to Canberra’s controversial policy of deporting criminals back to their country of birth.

A few years ago, in 2017, Jacinda Ardern censured Chris Hipkins for allegedly playing a role in the dual citizenship scandal in the Australian Parliament.

Then Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce was forced to resign after reports to Chris Hipkins revealed that Barnaby Joyce held dual Australian and New Zealand citizenship. The Australian Constitution prohibits federal politicians from sitting in Parliament if they hold dual citizenship.

Jacinda Ardern said at the time that Chris Hipkins’ actions were “unacceptable“.