New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern Resigns Ahead of Election

Jacinda ArdernHe was the prime minister of New Zealand Since 2017, she has announced her intention to resign effective February 7, 2017.

Ardern made her decision at the Labour PartyThursday’s annual caucus meeting. 

“I’m leaving because with such a privileged role comes responsibility,” She said that according to The Guardian. “The responsibility to know when you are the right person to lead and also when you are not. 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.”

As Bloomberg According to reports Ardern will continue as a parliamentarian until April. A general election is set for October 14. 

Ardern was a controversial figure. Her government imposed some of the most severe Covid-19 restrictions on New Zealanders during her tenure as leader. For example, at the outbreak of the pandemic books were deemed “non-essential” Ardern and other officials tried to keep people inside their homes.

After a six-month period in which no cases had been recorded, Ardern took the whole country to Level 4. lockdown For three days, one man in Auckland had tested positive. 

People who refused to follow the draconian policies were subject to severe penalties, including up to US$8,400 in fines.

Ardern was also a strong supporter of tightening restrictions for New Zealanders’ online activities, calling for more censorship.

Ardern’s popularity plummeted after years of limiting the freedoms of her citizens. A December 2022 poll Her support was now at just 33%.

Support for the centre right National Party was at 39 percent. In the first polls for the new year, they are still leading.

This is a breaking news story, and we will update it.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases