New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says she will resign from her post next month and will not contest this year’s general elections. Her decision to step down came as her Labour Party looked set to face a tough election campaign. Political commentator Ben Thomas said that there was not a clear successor. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson said in a statement he would not seek to stand as the next Labour leader. She was also widely praised for the way she embraced New Zealand’s Muslim community in the wake of the attack.
But her popularity has waned over the past year as inflation and crime have risen and the country has also become increasingly politically divided over issues such as a government overhaul of water infrastructure and the introduction of an agricultural emissions programme.
World leaders have paid tribute to New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern following her election victory. Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said she has shown the world how to lead with intellect and strength. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised her “empathetic, compassionate, strong and steady leadership”. Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown thanked New Zealand for its assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
