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After almost six years, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is stepping down.
She made the surprising announcement in a tearful speech on Thursday.
– For me, it’s time, she said.
In the afternoon, local time, Jacinda Ardern stood in front of the microphones at the Labor Party’s annual convention. She said her last day as prime minister will be February 7.
The 42-year-old stated that she has spent the past few months trying to find motivation for another term. She came to the conclusion that she can’t take it.
– After six years with some big challenges, I am human. Politicians are people. For me, it’s time, she said.
Jacinda Ardern was visibly emotional and tearful when making the announcement, writes RNZ.
– Leading a country is the most privileged job you can ever have, but also one of the most challenging. You can’t and shouldn’t have it unless you have a full tank of fuel plus some in reserve for unexpected challenges.
New Zealand goes to the polls on October 14.
Labor will vote for a new leader after Ardern as early as Sunday, she also announced.
Jacinda Ardern became prime minister of a coalition government in 2017 and then led her party to a convincing victory in the 2020 election. Lately, she has seen Labor’s and her own popularity fall in opinion polls, writes TT.
During her time in power, New Zealand has experienced several crises:
The terrorist act against two mosques in 2019, a deadly volcanic eruption on the tourist island of White Island at the end of the same year and just a few months later the corona pandemic exploded, where the country stood out internationally with its rigid restrictions.