– Grateful Prime Minister Ardern bows out
The resigning Prime Minister of New Zealand expressed her gratitude on Tuesday for her time in office, on the eve of the inauguration of her successor Chris Hipkins.
“I leave with a feeling of gratitude following carrying out this wonderful role for so many years,” Jacinda Ardern told reporters in the Maori village of Ratana (north) during her last public trip as First minister.
The 42-year-old politician said last week that she did not have “enough energy” to continue in office, following five years marked by a deadly volcanic eruption, the worst attack ever in the country and the coronavirus pandemic. Covid-19.
Her resignation, which came less than three years following a landslide election victory, sparked a nationwide debate regarding the denigration of women leaders, particularly on social media.
Chris Hipkins, who will be sworn in as prime minister on Wednesday, called the attacks on Jacinda Ardern while she was head of state “absolutely heinous”. Jacinda Ardern, however, said on Tuesday that she would “hate” that her sudden departure was seen as a criticism of her country.
The popularity of Jacinda Ardern’s Labor government has soured in recent months due to a looming recession and a resurgence of the Conservative opposition.
AFP
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