New Zealand’s Premier Ardern Resigns, Ending Era
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
WELLINGTON (Worthy News) – New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern, who became the world’s youngest female head of government and led her nation through major crises, has announced her resignation.
In a shock announcement Thursday at her party’s annual caucus meeting, Ardern said she “no longer had enough in the tank” to do the job. “It’s time,” she added.
She confirmed a national election for October this year. Her term as prime minister will conclude no later than February 7, but she will continue as a legislator until the election later this year.
“I’m leaving because with such a privileged role comes responsibility. The responsibility to know when you are the right person to lead and also when you are not,” she told party delegates. “I know what this job takes. And I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice. It’s that simple,” she explained.
Ardern became the world’s youngest female government leader at the tender age of 37 in 2017.
She led New Zealand through the COVID-19 pandemic and significant disasters, including the terror attack on two mosques in Christchurch and the White Island volcanic eruption.
Ardern appeared visibly upset and tearful as she made the announcement. She said she would stay on as an electorate parliamentarian until the end of April to spare her nation a by-election.
Ardern made clear she had no plans, professionally, beyond then yet.
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