Jacinda Arden has resigned from her role as prime minister
of New Zealand.
Arden made the announcement on Thursday at the annual caucus
meeting of the ruling Labour Party, saying she no longer has “enough in the
tank” to lead.
In an emotional speech, the 42-year-old said she had taken
time to consider her future over the summer break, hoping to find the
motivation to continue her job.
“Unfortunately I haven’t, and I would be doing a disservice
to New Zealand to continue,” she said.
“And so today, I’m
announcing that I will no longer be seeking re-election, and then my term as
prime minister will conclude no longer than the 7th of February.
“This has been the most fulfiling five and a half years of
my life. I am 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’re 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.”
Arden said leading the country had been difficult, adding
that the effort required of the job was not worth the cost.
“These events have been tasking because of the weight, the
sheer weight and continual nature of them. There’s never really been a moment where
it’s ever felt like we were just governing,” she said.
Her resignation comes amid speculation that the ruling party
will struggle to win re-election on October 14.
However, Arden said she’s only quitting because she is
human.
“I know there will be
much discussion in the aftermath of this decision as to what the so-called real
reason was, I can tell you that what I’m sharing today is it,” she said.
“The only interesting angle that you will find is that after
going on six years of some big challenges is that I am human. Politicians are
human. We give all that we can for as long as we can and then its time. And for
me, its time.”
Members of parliarment will vote to find her replacement on
Sunday.
THE TRAILBLAZING
SOON-TO-BE FORMER PRIME MINISTER
Ardern became the youngest female head of government in the
world when she was elected prime minister in 2017 at 37 years.
A year later, she became the second elected world leader to
ever have a child while in office, who she took to the United Nations (UN)
general assembly.
She steered New Zealand through the Covid-19 pandemic, a
volcanic eruption, and the worst terror attack in the country’s history.
World leaders have since poured in praises following Arden’s
shocking announcement.
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
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
.@jacindaardern showed the world a new style of leadership by deciding to foreground kindness and empathy. Her example has been a shining light to many, especially women. I congratulate her on all she has achieved to date and wish her well in this next phase of her life.
— Julia Gillard (@JuliaGillard) January 19, 2023
While making her announcement, Arden thanked the country for
giving her the opportunity to serve, saying “I hope in return that you can be
kind but strong, empathetic but decisive, optimistic but focused, that you can
be your own kind of leader, one that knows when its time to go”.
In the past year, some other female leaders have also
resigned from their roles.
In October 2022, Liz Truss, former prime minister of
Britain, resigned after a turbulent 45 days in power, saying she could no
longer deliver the mandate on which she was elected.
In the same week, Suella Braverman, UK home secretrary, resigned after sending an unpublished ministerial statement from her personal email to a colleague to get support for her policy.
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