In an emotional address, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced she will not be seeking re-election in a shock revelation on Thursday.
Ardern, who called the leadership job “the greatest role of my life,” said she no longer had “enough in the tank” to do the role justice.
She will resign her position by Feb. 7 after serving for 5½ years, ahead of New Zealand’s Oct 14. election. Ardern will remain a member of parliament until April to avoid a by-election in her Mount Albert electorate.
Ardern, who gained international acclaim for her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, a terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch and the White Island volcanic eruption, told New Zealanders she would like to be remembered as someone “who always tried to be kind.”
“I hope I leave New Zealanders with a belief that you can be kind, but strong, empathetic but decisive, optimistic but focused,” Ardern said. “And that you can be your own kind of leader — one who knows when it’s time to go.”
She was lauded on the world stage for her progressive views, her decisive action following domestic tragedy, and for remaining cool and composed under pressure — including during an earthquake that struck while she was live on air. But she faced far greater scrutiny domestically.
A mounting housing crisis, the economic fallout from the pandemic and poverty alleviation remain issues of concern for voters, and in such areas the party were at times criticized for being ineffectual. Support for Ardern’s Labour Party dropped during the last polls of 2022 to 33%, compared with opposition National Party’s 38-39%, in what were the lowest results during Ardern’s leadership.
Internationally, though, Ardern will likely be remembered as a personable leader who led the country through some of its most trying crises to date.
“Jacinda Ardern has shown the world how to lead with intellect and strength,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tweeted. “She has demonstrated that empathy and insight are powerful leadership qualities. Jacinda has been a fierce advocate for New Zealand, an inspiration to so many and a great friend to me.”
While the Labour Party hunts for a new leader, Ardern said she has “no plan, no next steps,” but that she was looking forward to being there when her daughter starts school for the year.
Addressing her fiance, Clarke Gayford, who sat in the front row during her announcement, she said, “Let’s finally get married.”
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