Jacinda Ardern did not have enough strength for more years in office, she justified the step. A new government will be elected in October.
In New Zealand, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern surprisingly announced her resignation. At her first press conference this year, she said she would leave office on February 7. Ardern gave the reason that she felt that she no longer had enough strength for more years in her office.
“I know what it takes for this job and I know I don’t have enough in the tank anymore. It’s that simple,” she said. “We all give as long as we can give and then it’s over. And for me it’s time now.”
Ardern fought back tears as she announced her resignation to reporters in Napier. Her time as head of government was fulfilling but challenging, she said.
Election for party leadership on Sunday
Ardern announced parliamentary elections for October 14th. Until then, she will remain an MP. Her resignation as Prime Minister will come into effect once a successor has been appointed. A new leader or leader of the Labor Party is to be elected as early as Sunday.
When she was elected Prime Minister in 2017, Ardern became one of the youngest women to head a government at the age of 37. Her party was re-elected two years ago in a historic victory. However, her party has fallen behind its Conservative rivals in the most recent polls.
