Jacinda Ardern, the icy ‘Covid queen’ of New Zealand, is finally abdicating her throne.
While technically the “prime minister,” Ardern seized ’emergency’ powers during the Covid pandemic to decree some of the harshest lockdowns in the world. She is now set to pass on her scepter to a new “liberal” prime minister.
In a tearful speech on Wednesday, Ardern said that she did not personally feel up to another term. Thus, she is now planning to leave office on February 7.
“I believe that leading a country is the most privileged job anyone could ever have, but also one of the more challenging,” Ardern said. “You cannot and should not do it unless you have a full tank plus a bit in reserve for those unexpected challenges.”
“This has been the most fulfilling five and a half years of my life. I am leaving because with such a privileged job comes a big responsibility,” she added.
