She left. The resigning Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, was officially replaced on Wednesday January 25 by Chris Hipkins, 44. The investiture ceremony of the new leader took place in Wellington, the capital. Like his predecessor, Mr. Hipkins is Labour.
Ms Ardern, 42, said last week that she had “not enough energy” to continue to perform his duties, after five years marked by a deadly volcanic eruption, the worst attack ever perpetrated in the country and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Christopher Hipkins was until now Minister of Home Affairs, Education and Public Services. Nicknamed « Chippy » by his colleagues, the chubby-faced, red-haired 40-year-old had garnered enough support within his party to be the sole candidate to succeed Ms. Ardern.
“It is the greatest privilege and the greatest responsibility of my life”said Mr. Hipkins, during his inauguration, saying to himself “motivated” et « enthusiastic » It front of “challenges that arise”.
Conductor of the zero Covid strategy
A deputy for fourteen years, the man became a recognized personality on the political scene when he was propelled to the head of the ministry responsible for combating the Covid-19 pandemic. While his administration has adopted particularly harsh measures as part of a zero Covid strategy, he has earned a reputation for competence and honesty. Faced with the pandemic, New Zealand had closed its borders and only reopened them in August 2022.
“I leave with a sense of gratitude after fulfilling this wonderful role for so many years”said Jacinda Ardern on Tuesday to the press, in Ratana, in the north of the country, 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 called it a“absolutely odious” the attacks she suffered when she was head of state. Jacinda Ardern, however, said on Tuesday that she “would hate” that his sudden departure is perceived as a criticism of his country.