Jakarta, IO – New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced a shock resignation ahead of an upcoming election to be held this year, reported Bloomberg, Thursday (19/1).
She said she doesn’t have the energy or inspiration to seek reelection. She conveyed her decision during her party the Labour Party’s caucus meeting in Napier.
“I have given my absolute all to being prime minister but it has also taken a lot out of me,” said the 42-year-old Ardern.
“You cannot and should not do the job unless you have a full tank, plus a bit in reserve for those unplanned and unexpected challenges that inevitably come along. Having reflected over summer I know I no longer have that bit extra in the tank to do the job justice. It’s that simple.”
The unexpected announcement brings an end to a stunning political career that saw Ardern become the world’s youngest female leader when, then aged 37, she led Labour to power at the 2017 election. It comes as she faced an uphill battle to win a third term in office, with Labour trailing the opposition National Party in polls.
The Labour caucus will vote on a new leader on January 22, with the winner needing two-thirds support. If no-one has that, the contest will go to the wider party membership. It is expected that process will conclude no later than February 7, Ardern said.
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Despite her resignation, Ardern believes that the Labor Party can and will win the election.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved over these two terms. We are a strong, experienced and effective team that has successfully steered New Zealand through the greatest challenges our country has faced in decades,” she said. (un)