New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern steps down
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Thursday announced her intent to step down in a shock move that rocked the country’s political landscape.
Speaking to her party’s annual caucus in the seaside town of Napier, 42-year-old Ardern said “it’s time” for her to move on and that she “no longer had enough in the tank” for her premiership. She also called for a general election on October. 14.
Ardern, holding back tears, said it had been a tough five and a half years as prime minister and that she was only human and needed to step aside.
“I had hoped to find a way to prepare for not just another year, but another term – because that is what this year requires. I have not been able to do that,” Ardern, 42, told a news conference.
“I know there will be much discussion in the aftermath of this decision as to what the so called ‘real’ reason was … The only interesting angle you will find is that after going on six years of some big challenges, that I am human,” she continued.
“Politicians are human. We give all that we can, for as long as we can, and then it’s time. And for me, it’s time.”
Ardern burst onto the global scene in 2017 when she became the world’s youngest female head of government at age 37.
Riding a wave of “Jacinda-mania”, she campaigned passionately for women’s rights, and an end to child poverty and economic inequality in the country.
Tributes poured in after Ardern’s announcement, even though her popularity has dipped and support for her party has fallen.
World leaders voiced appreciation for Ardern, who became one of the most recognisable global figures through the COVID-19 pandemic and after mass shootings at two mosques in 2019.
