Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern replaced by Chris Hipkins

The witness has passed. The resigning Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern was officially replaced on Wednesday, with the inauguration of her successor Chris Hipkins, during a ceremony in Wellington. “It is the greatest privilege and the greatest responsibility of my life,” said Chris Hipkins, 44, saying he was “motivated” and “enthusiastic” in the face of “the challenges that arise”. Starting with elections that promise to be complicated in October.

Chris Hipkins has been hailed for his nearly two-year term as minister in charge of the fight against Covid-19, in a country which closed its borders to ward off the pandemic and only reopened them in August 2022 Jacinda Ardern stunned New Zealand when she announced her abrupt removal from power, less than three years after winning a second term in a landslide election victory.

“Not enough energy”

Jacinda Ardern, 42, said last week that she did not have “enough energy” to continue performing her duties, after five years marked by a deadly volcanic eruption, the worst attack ever in the country and the coronavirus pandemic. Covid-19.

“I leave with a feeling of gratitude after fulfilling this wonderful role for so many years,” she told reporters in Ratana (north) on Tuesday during her last public trip as Prime Minister. . The popularity of his Labor government has soured in recent months due to a looming recession and a resurgence of the Conservative opposition.

Her resignation sparked a nationwide debate about the denigration of women leaders, particularly on social media. Chris Hipkins has described as “absolutely abhorrent” the attacks she suffered when she was head of state. Jacinda Ardern, however, said on Tuesday that she would “hate” if her sudden departure was seen as a criticism of her country.

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