New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern plans to step down in February, she announced on Thursday. When elected in 2017, she was one of the youngest women in the world to head a government at age 37 – but now she “doesn’t have enough strength for another four years in office”.
“It’s time for me,” Ardern said. “I simply don’t have enough in the tank for another four years.” The head of government was clearly referring to the upcoming parliamentary elections in October of this year and the subsequent legislature.
Her resignation will take effect when a successor is appointed. A new leader of the Labor Party will be elected on Sunday.
Good crisis manager
Ardern was elected prime minister in 2017. In the parliamentary elections of October 2020, she was confirmed in this office and achieved a historic electoral victory. In all her years in government, the charismatic politician made a name for herself, especially with her sensitive crisis management.
This applied, among other things, to New Zealand’s path through the corona pandemic. Ardern also received widespread recognition for her response to the March 2019 terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch that left 51 people dead. She gave a moving speech at the time and wore a headscarf to show her solidarity with the Muslim community around the world. Most recently, however, the popularity ratings of the head of government and her party had fallen in surveys.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
