New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Thursday made a shock announcement she had 'no more in the tank' to continue leading the country and would step down no later than early February and not seek re-election.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announces her resignation at the War Memorial Centre on January 19, 2023 in Napier, New Zealand.New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Thursday made a shock announcement she had “no more in the tank” to continue leading the country and would step down no later than early February and not seek re-election.
“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. Political commentator Ben Thomas said Ardern's announcement was a huge surprise as polls still ranked her as the country’s preferred prime minister even though support for her party had fallen from the stratospheric heights seen during the 2020 election.Ardern said she was not stepping down because the job was hard, but because she believed others could do a better job.
Eight months after becoming premier she became the second elected leader to give birth while in office, after Pakistan's Benazir Bhutto. Many saw Ardern as part of wave of progressive female leaders, including Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin. “Her kindness, wisdom and efforts for a peaceful world have been a remarkable example for world leaders,” he said. “I understand that she needs rest, and I wish her all the best in her life.”
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