New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern makes surprise announcement that she will step down in February

Nathan Rivera

19/01/2023

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"For me it is time," he declared in a meeting with members of his Labor Party.

Photo: Kerry Marshall/Getty Images

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardernsurprisingly announced that he will leave his post in February.

“I don't have enough (gas) in the tank anymore,” an emotional Ardern said as she announced her upcoming resignation.

The 42-year-old politician explained that her almost 6 "challenging" years in office had taken their toll on her and he does not see himself with the strength to stand in the general elections to be held in October in his country.

Ardern's last day as prime minister will be February 7.

There will be a vote in the coming days to determine his replacement as leader of the New Zealand Labor Party.

“It would hurt New Zealand if it continued”

The Oceanian country will hold a general election on October 14.

Ardern said she had taken time to consider her future during the southern summer vacation.

“I was hoping to find what I needed to continue through that period, but unfortunately I haven't. It would be doing a disservice to New Zealand if it continued,” he told reporters.

jacinda ardern

Getty Images
Jacinda Ardern made the announcement at a meeting of her party on Thursday.

Politics became the world's youngest head of government when she was elected prime minister in 2017 at 37 years old.

He has led New Zealand through difficult times, such as the covid-19 pandemic, the shooting at a Christchurch mosque, or a volcanic eruption on White Island.

"It's one thing to lead your country in times of peace, and another to guide them through a crisis," he said.

“These events
 have been exhausting due to the weight, its great weight and its nature. There was never a moment where it felt like we were just ruling."

Jacinda Ardern and Clarke Gayford

EPA
Ardern was accompanied by her husband, Clarke Gayford, in making the announcement.

His popularity in New Zealand has dipped to new lows in recent months, according the surveys.

But Ardern said he is not resigning because he does not believe Labor cannot win the election, but because he believes they do have a chance.

“We need a new set of shoulders for that challenge,” he said.

Following the announcement, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Adern.

“Jacinda has been a fierce supporter of New Zealand, an inspiration to many and a great friend to me,” she wrote on Twitter.

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Author Profile

Nathan Rivera
Allow me to introduce myself. I am Nathan Rivera, a dedicated journalist who has had the privilege of writing for the online newspaper Today90. My journey in the world of journalism has been a testament to the power of dedication, integrity, and passion.

My story began with a relentless thirst for knowledge and an innate curiosity about the events shaping our world. I graduated with honors in Investigative Journalism from a renowned university, laying the foundation for what would become a fulfilling career in the field.

What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth. I refuse to settle for superficial answers or preconceived narratives. Instead, I constantly challenge the status quo, delving deep into complex issues to reveal the reality beneath the surface. My dedication to investigative journalism has uncovered numerous scandals and shed light on issues others might prefer to ignore.

I am also a staunch advocate for press freedom. I have tirelessly fought to protect the rights of journalists and have faced significant challenges in my quest to inform the public truthfully and without constraints. My courage in defending these principles serves as an example to all who believe in the power of journalism to change the world.

Throughout my career, I have been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for my outstanding work in journalism. My investigations have changed policies, exposed corruption, and given a voice to those who had none. My commitment to truth and justice makes me a beacon of hope in a world where misinformation often prevails.

At Today90, I continue to be a driving force behind journalistic excellence. My tireless dedication to fair and accurate reporting is an invaluable asset to the editorial team. My biography is a living testament to the importance of journalism in our society and a reminder that a dedicated journalist can make a difference in the world.

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