New Zealand’s prime minister is stepping down in early February

It’s time for meShe said at a meeting of the Labor Party.

” I don’t have enough energy for another four years. »

Jacinda Ardern, 42, became prime minister in a coalition government in 2017 before leading the centre-left Labor Party to an outright majority in the next election three years later.

During her tenure, she faced COVID-19 pandemicfor one Deadly volcanic eruption And to the worst attack the country has ever seen, 51 Muslim worshipers were killed at a mosque in Christchurch by a white supremacist in 2019.

Having enjoyed the standard approval rate for a long time, sometimes even qualified JacindamaniaRecently, she has seen her party ratings and personal popularity ratings in opinion polls decline sharply, as the economic situation worsens and the right-wing opposition regains strength.

Last month, Ardern’s nervousness was evident when she was inadvertently caught on the microphone calling an opposition official. Arrogant fool.

In her first public appearance since Parliament went into summer recess a month ago, Ardern made it clear on Thursday that she had hoped to use the break to find the energy to continue governing.

But I couldn’t do thatshe admitted.

In New Zealand, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern caused a surprise by announcing her resignation before the end of her second term. The 42-year-old says she’s mentally exhausted. The story of Lise Villeneuve.

Photo: AP/Mark Mitchell

elections next fall

She announced that the next elections would be held on 14 October, and until then she would continue to exercise her mandate as an MP.

Recent opinion polls give the centre-right coalition an advantage over the Labor Party in this election. But Ms Ardern maintained that this was not the reason for her departure.

I’m not leaving because I think we can’t win the next election, but because I think we can and we will.She said.

She said her resignation would take effect no later than February 7, and Labor would vote to appoint a new leader within three days.

Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson immediately announced that he would not be a candidate to succeed Ms Ardern.

The outgoing prime minister confirmed that there was no secret reason for her resignation.

” I am leaving because such a privileged position entails great responsibility. The responsibility to know when you are the right person to lead and also when you are not. »

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Ms Ardern as head of government Show the world how to drive smart and powerful.