Jacinda Ardern's defining legacy serving New Zealand during a crisis
RNZJan 19, 2023
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Thursday that she will step down from her position on Feb. 7 in advance of the national election scheduled for Oct. 14. She reportedly plans to remain a member of Parliament until April.
Citing burnout, she claimed not to have the heart and energy to lead the country anymore after her six "challenging" years in office. Labor members of Parliament will vote for a new leader on Sunday but the contest will go to the party's lay membership if no candidate receives two-thirds support.
This resignation is as surprising as Ardern's amazing rise to power in 2017. No one can blame her for being exhausted after leading the country during challenging years marked by disaster and death. She will be remembered as a compassionate and confident leader that has been able to renew the once moribund Labor leadership with energy, focus, sense of purpose, and competency.
While Ardern indeed became an icon to the left and inspired women worldwide, her government's limitations have been troublesome at home. Anger first understandably rose from those opposing COVID mandates and rules — soon spreading among New Zealanders and reducing her popularity due to inflation and mounting violence. Her resignation comes at the right time.