New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stepped down without warning, claiming that she has no plans to seek re-election in the October polls.
On Thursday, Ardern announced her resignation and would stand aside for a new leader within weeks.
In a press conference recently, Ardern told the public that her term is expected to end by February 7.
In the statement released by the Prime Minister, she made it clear that “The decision was my own.”
“Leading a country is the most privileged job anyone could ever have, but also the most challenging. You cannot and should not do the job unless you have a full tank, plus a bit in reserve for those unplanned and unexpected challenges.” Ardern added.
“I no longer have enough in the tank to do the job justice,” she continued.
Ardern also spoke about the issues the government has been facing, including the various crises her country has faced, including the Covid-19 pandemic crisis and the Christchurch terror attack in 2019 that took the lives of 51 people at two mosques.
“The only interesting angle that you will find is that after going on six years of some big challenges, I am human. 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 said.
She also highlighted the country’s achievements under her administration which includes the legislation on climate change and child poverty.
“I wouldn’t want this last five and a half years to simply be about the challenges. For me, it’s also been about the progress,” she claimed.
Following her announcement, Bryce Edwards, a political scientist at New Zealand’s Victoria University of Wellington responded, claiming that Ardern’s resignation was “shocking” but was not a complete surprise.
“She is celebrated throughout the world but her government has plummeted in the polls,” he said in a statement.
Moreover, six days after Jacinda Ardern announced her resignation, 44-year old Chris Hipkins was sworn in at an inauguration ceremony in the capital Wellington.
On Tuesday, Ardern also attended her last official outing as prime minister.
“I have experienced such love, compassion, empathy and kindness in the job. That has been my predominant experience. So I leave feeling gratitude for having this wonderful role for so many years,” Ardern said.
“I would hate for anyone to view my departure as a negative commentary on New Zealand,” she added.
Ardern also claimed that the most important advice she gave Hipkins is “you do you.”
“This is for him now. It’s for him to carve out his own space, be his own kind of leader. Actually, there is no advice I can really impart. I can share information, I can share experiences, but this is now for him,” she continued.
“You won’t find me commenting on domestic politics, I’ve had my time. I’m ready to be a backbench MP, I’m ready to be a sister and a mom.” Ardern said, concluding her statement.
