Prime Minister (PM) of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, suddenly resigned. Ardern also seemed to be holding back tears when announcing her retirement.
Ardern’s resignation came ahead of the upcoming election in New Zealand. Ardern, who is now 42 years old, said that her resignation as PM of New Zealand was her own decision.
With this resignation, Ardern’s term of office will officially end on 7 February. He also hopes that the new PM from the Labor Party will be sworn in soon.
Ardern also revealed the reasons for her resignation. Fighting back tears, Ardern said the past few years had been difficult for her as PM, and stated that she was only human and needed to step down from her job. Ardern has said she will not seek re-election in the upcoming election.
“This is my decision alone,” said Ardern, who is now 42, as she announced her retirement at the news conference.
“Leading a country is the most special job anyone can have, but it’s also the most challenging. You can’t and shouldn’t do that unless you have full capacity, plus spare capacity for unforeseen challenges,” he explained.
Ardern further said that at the end of 2022, she was contemplating whether she had the necessary capabilities to continue as New Zealand PM, which led to the conclusion that it was time to step down.
“I no longer have enough capacity to do (the job) properly,” Ardern said explaining her reasons for resigning.
So, what will the leader of the Kiwi country do after this surprising resignation? Ardern said she had no future plans, other than to spend more time with her family.
Ardern, who set a record as one of the world’s youngest leaders, thanked her partner, Clarke Gayford, and daughter Neve, whom she gave birth to while in office. He referred to them as “those who have sacrificed the most of us all”.
“To Neve: I’m really looking forward to being there when you start school this year. And to Clarke – let’s get married,” said Ardern.
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