New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced her resignation ahead of the upcoming general election scheduled for October 14th.
Ardern made the surprise announcement during her first press conference of 2023 on Thursday.
Ardern said she would step down no later than February 7, less than three years after winning a landslide election to secure her second term in office.
Ardern, who became the world’s youngest female leader when she led her Labour Party to power in 2017, cited a lack of energy and inspiration as her reason for stepping down.
“I have given my all to being Prime Minister, but it has also taken a lot out of me,” Ardern stated in Napier, where the Labour Party was holding a caucus meeting.
“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.”
Ardern’s resignation marks the end of a remarkable political career that saw her navigate unprecedented crises and become a symbol of liberal values on the global stage.
Despite her impressive tenure, Ardern was facing an uphill battle to win a third term in office, with her party trailing behind the opposition National Party in recent polls.
The Labour caucus will now vote on a new leader on January 22nd, with the winner needing two-thirds support. If no candidate receives this level of support, the contest will go to the wider party membership. Ardern expects the process to conclude no later than February 7th.
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