Prime minister leaves job - 25th January 2023

Jacinda Ardern has shocked politicians around the world. She's decided to quit her job as prime minister of New Zealand. She said that she feels exhausted.

In 2017, at 37 years old, Ardern became the youngest ever female prime minister. In 2018, a year into the job, she also had a baby.

Ardern managed some difficult situations. She led the country through several disasters, from terrorism, and volcanoes to Covid. Her quick decisions saved many people’s lives.

People around the world have respect for Ardern. She was a popular leader and her face appeared in magazines worldwide. But things have changed and her government’s popularity’s falling. Prices in the country are increasing, which has angered many voters.

There are mixed opinions about Ardern's decision to quit. Some people think she was a good leader and will miss her as prime minister.

Ingrid: "I think she was an excellent leader, and I'm devastated that she's going, she's resigning."

Lia Correa: "I think she'll leave behind a really good legacy, cause like, she's a woman prime minister who kicked ass. She was awesome. She did everything she could during the pandemic. Kept a lot of people safe. Yeah, I think she's gonna have a great legacy."

But other people think Ardern should leave the job because of national economic problems.

Craig: "I think her legacy internationally will be good. Locally, her reputation's gone. "

Business Owner: "As a business owner, this is a wonderful day. The restrictions and the extra compliance and extra tax of business that has happened, and especially staffing levels, where there's no immigrants, has with, left us all short, all stressed out, all mentally ill from not being able to run our businesses properly. And so, I see this as the most wonderful day for New Zealand."

Chris Hipkins will lead New Zealand as prime minister until the country's next election in October.