Published: Less than 50 min ago
At the British throne change, republicans in the Commonwealth can breathe morning air. But Australia and New Zealand do not want to seize the opportunity, at least not so close to the death of Queen Elizabeth.
Australia’s Social Democrat Prime Minister Anthony Albanese began laying out plans for a future Australian republic when he took office last spring, but on Sunday he curtly stated that now was not the time to talk about it. He has also previously said that a referendum on the issue “is not a priority” during his first term.
It turns out there is an old custom which means that the Australian parliament is not allowed to sit for 15 days after the death of a regent. It is not a rule, but Prime Minister Albanese intends to follow it and emphasizes the importance of following traditions.
There has been speculation that the republican debate would pick up steam with the Queen’s passing, given how popular she has been.
– I have not connected the two things in that way, says New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
– I have made it clear how I see the matter, many times. I believe that is where New Zealand is going, given time. I think it will likely happen in my lifetime. But I don’t see it as a short-term measure or as something that is on the agenda in the near future.
King Charles III is now head of state in a total of 15 countries.