New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern resigns ahead of general election, says she doesn't have enough in the tank
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced her resignation on Thursday ahead of the general election which will be held in October this year. Ardern’s resignation came as a shock to the world as it has rocked the country’s political spectrum.
She said she will step down from her position on February 7, but she will continue as an MP until the election later this year. The Labour caucus will vote on a new leader on January 22, 2023.
While announcing her resignation at a Labour Caucus Meeting, she said she was too tired to seek a third term. Ardern, whose voice trembled while announcing her resignation, said It’s time for her to resign as she doesn’t have enough in the tank for the coming four years.
In her first public appearance since parliament went into its summer recess a month ago, the Labour Party minister said she is leaving because with such a privileged role comes responsibility. The responsibility to know when you are the right person to lead and also when you are not, she added.
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Ardern’s leadership was highly questionable after New Zealanders criticized her handling of the economy amid tough Covid restrictions and soaring inflation.
Ardern, who became the world’s youngest female Prime Minister at 37, has led New Zealand through the Covid-19 pandemic, an economic crisis, and major disasters including the terror attack on two mosques in Christchurch, and the White Island volcanic eruption.
In 2018, she became just the second world leader to give birth in office, after former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
Talking about the reason behind her resignation, the 42-year-old said she doesn’t want to leave the impression that the adversity one face in politics is the reason that people exit. Yes, it does have an impact. We are humans after all, but that was not the basis of my decision, she added.
Revealing her future plans, Ardern said she will spend time with her 4-year-old daughter Neve and her partner Clarke Gayford.
