New Zealand: Grateful Prime Minister Ardern withdraws
Prime Minister Ardern gratefully bows
New Zealand’s outgoing prime minister on Tuesday expressed her gratitude for the time she has spent in office, on the eve of her successor Chris Hepkins’ inauguration.
Jacinda Ardern on January 24, 2023.
France Press agency
Jacinda Ardern told reporters in the Maori village of Ratana (North) during her last public visit as first minister: “I leave with a feeling of gratitude after doing this wonderful role for so many years.”
The 42-year-old politician said last week that she did not have “enough energy” to continue in office, after five years marked by a deadly volcanic eruption, the worst attack ever in the country, and the coronavirus pandemic.
Her resignation, which came less than three years after her landslide election victory, sparked a nationwide debate over the vilification of women leaders, especially on social media.
Chris Hepkins, who will be sworn in as prime minister on Wednesday, described the attacks on Jacinda Ardern when she was head of state as “absolutely heinous”. But Jacinda Ardern said on Tuesday she “hated” her sudden departure being seen as a criticism of her country.
The popularity of Jacinda Ardern’s Labor government has plummeted in recent months due to a looming recession and the return of the Conservative opposition.
France Press agency
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