In a shocking move, New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern told a news conference on Thursday that 7 February would be her last day in office.
Reasons for Resignation
The PM said that she was now entering her sixth year in office, and that “for each of those years,” she had given her “absolute all.”
Clarifying that the decision was her own, Ardern said that leading a country was “the most privileged job anyone could ever have,” but added that it was “also the most challenging.” Amongst these challenges, Ardern recounted an agenda focused on housing, tackling child poverty, climate change, a domestic terror event, a major natural disaster, a global pandemic, and an economic crisis.
The leader further clarified that she was “not leaving because it was hard.”
Jacinda Ardern has shown the world how to lead with intellect and strength.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) January 19, 2023
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. pic.twitter.com/QJ64mNCJMI
“Had that been the case I probably would have departed two months into the job,” she said.
The PM stated that she had made the decision knowing that “such a privileged role” came with responsibility. “The responsibility to know when you are the right person to lead, and also, when you are not.”
“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,” Ardern said. “I no longer have enough in the tank to do the job justice.”
Although there had been speculation within political circles that the leader might step down ahead of the next election, she had always publicly maintained that she planned to run again.
Wow. This quote from Jacinda Ardern’s resignation: ‘Hope I leave New Zealanders with a belief that you can be kind but strong, empathetic but decisive, optimistic but focused...that you can be your own kind of leader, one who knows when it’s time to go’..
— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) January 19, 2023
pic.twitter.com/gsBc09qij3
New Zealand’s Political Future
Ardern announced that the country’s 2023 general elections will be held on 14 October, and that she would remain a lawmaker until then.
However, it remains unclear who will fill the power vacuum in the meantime, as Deputy PM Grant Robertson announced that he will not contest the leadership of the Labour Party.
Ardern’s Legacy
Ardern became one of the world’s youngest PMs at the age of 37 in 2017. She was New Zealand’s third female leader and, within a year in office, had given birth — making her the second world leader ever to do so.
Thank you, @JacindaArdern, for your partnership and your friendship – and for your empathic, compassionate, strong, and steady leadership over these past several years. The difference you have made is immeasurable. I’m wishing you and your family nothing but the best, my friend. pic.twitter.com/72Q5p9GZzg
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 19, 2023
By imposing some of the world’s strictest border rules, Ardern’s COVID-19 approach proved initially effective, allowing her to win her a second term in 2020. This included separating families and closing international travel for almost two years.
She also won popular support globally for her emphatic response to the Christchurch terror attack in 2019, wherein 51 people were killed at two mosques. Her rapid response, including the swift introduction of gun law reforms, won widespread praise. Ardern also wore a hijab to show her respect for the Muslim community and vowed to never speak the name of the alleged attacker.