- Draft
- BBC News World
image source, Good pictures
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced that she will step down in February.
“I don’t have enough (gas) in the tank anymore,” an emotional Ardern said in announcing her impending resignation.
The 42-year-old politician explained that he almost 6 “challenging” years in office They attacked him and he did not have the strength to stand in his country’s general elections in October.
Ardern’s last day as Prime Minister is February 7.
A vote will be held in the coming days to replace him as leader of the New Zealand Labor Party.
“If this continues it will affect New Zealand”
The Oceanian country will hold general elections on October 14.
Ardern said she took time to consider her future during the southern summer break.
“I was hoping to find something to carry on in that period but unfortunately I didn’t. I would be doing New Zealand a disservice if I carried on,” he told reporters.
image source, Good pictures
Jacinda Ardern made the announcement at her party meeting on Thursday.
It became political He was the youngest head of government in the world when he was elected Prime Minister In 2017 at the age of 37.
He has led New Zealand through difficult times such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the Christchurch mosque shooting or the White Island volcanic eruption.
“It’s one thing to lead your country in times of peace, it’s another to lead them in times of crisis,” he said.
“These events are… fatigued due to weight, its great weight and its character. There was never a moment when we ruled.”
image source, EPA
Ardern was joined by her husband Clark Gayford to make the announcement.
Polls suggest his popularity in New Zealand has fallen to new lows in recent months.
But Ardern is not resigning because she doesn’t believe Labor can win the election, but because she believes they have a chance.
“We need new shoulders for that challenge,” he said.
Following the announcement, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Ardern.
“Jacinda has been an ardent supporter of New Zealand, an inspiration to many and a best friend to me,” he wrote on Twitter.
Now you can get notifications from BBC Mundo. Download and activate the latest version of our apps so you never miss our best content.
“Typical beer advocate. Future teen idol. Unapologetic tv practitioner. Music trailblazer.”