Sign in

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern's shocking resignation announcement: ‘It’s time'

Jacinda Ardern Set To Resign: Jacinda Ardern's term as prime minister will conclude no later than February 7.

Updated on: Jan 19, 2023, 06:40:43 IST
Share
Share via
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
Copy link
  • copy link

New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern said that she will resign from her position in a shock announcement. At her party’s annual meeting, Jacinda Ardern said she “no longer had enough in the tank” to do the job.

Jacinda Ardern: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaks during a press conference. (AP)
Jacinda Ardern: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaks during a press conference. (AP)

“It’s time,” she said, adding that during the summer break she reflected over whether she had the energy to continue leading the country and had concluded that she did not.

Read more: Gita Gopinath's message on world economy from Davos: ‘Tough year ahead, but...’

“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.

Jacinda Ardern's term as prime minister will conclude no later than February 7.

“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.

Asked how she would like New Zealanders to remember her leadership, she said “as someone who always tried to be kind.”

“I hope I leave New Zealanders with a belief that you can be kind, but strong, empathetic but decisive, optimistic but focused. And that you can be your own kind of leader – one who knows when it’s time to go,” Jacinda Ardern said.

  • Mallika Soni
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Mallika Soni

    When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?"

Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.