Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand, made the surprising revelation that she is stepping down while also announcing that the country will hold elections in October.
Ardern said that she “no longer had enough in the tank” to carry out the duties during the party’s first caucus meeting of the year on Thursday. She continued, “It’s time.”
“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. 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 said.
Even though her time as prime minister must end no later than February 7th, she will remain a member of parliament through the year’s election.
“I am human, politicians are human. We give all that we can for as long as we can. And then it’s time. And for me, it’s time,” she said.
Over the summer vacation, Ardern said she thought about whether or not she had the stamina to carry on in the position and came to the conclusion that she did not.
When did Jacinda Ardern become Prime Minister?
Following discussions, New Zealand First decided to join Labour in a minority coalition government with the Green Party’s backing, led by Ardern.
On October 26, 2017, the Governor-General took her oath of office. At age 37, she assumed the position of the youngest female head of state in history.
How long did Jacinda Ardern serve as Prime Minister?
Jacinda Ardern served as Prime Minister for almost 6 years.
