New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced her retirement from politics within the next month.
Ms Ardern choked back tears as she said that she did not have the energy to seek re-election.
“I know what this job takes. And I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice,” she said.
Jacinda Ardern has shown the world how to lead with intellect and strength.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) January 19, 2023
She has demonstrated that empathy and insight are powerful leadership qualities.
Jacinda has been a fierce advocate for New Zealand, an inspiration to so many and a great friend to me. pic.twitter.com/QJ64mNCJMI
“I am not leaving because I believe we cannot win the next election, but because I believe we can and will.”
The mother of one said that she is now looking forward to spending more time with her family and shared a message to her partner, Clarke Gayford, saying: “Let’s finally get married”.
“Beyond that, I have no plan. No next steps. All I know is that whatever I do, I will try and find ways to keep working for New Zealand and that I am looking forward to spending time with my family again – arguably, they are the ones that have sacrificed the most out of all of us.”
