New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who became a global icon of the left and exemplified a new style of leadership, announced Thursday that she will leave office.
Just 37 when she became leader, Ardern was praised around the world for the way she handled the country's worst mass shooting in history and the coronavirus. But she faced mounting political pressures at home and a level of vitriol not experienced by previous New Zealand leaders.
Still, his announcement made an impact across the nation of 5 million people.
Holding back tears, Ardern told reporters in Napier that Feb. 7 would be her last day as prime minister after five and a half years in office.
Today I am announcing that I will not seek re-election, so my role as prime minister will end no later than February 7. These have been the most satisfying 5 1/2 years of my life, but they have also had their challenges. i know what this job requires, and i know i no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice. it's as simple as that. I know there will be a lot of discussion following this decision about what the "real reasons" are, I can tell you that what I've shared with you today is it. The only interesting angle you may find is that after 6 years of very big challenges, it turns out that I am human. Politicians are human, we give all we can, for as long as we can, until our time comes, and for me the time has come.
Jacinta Ardern assured that her reasons were entirely personal, but added that she had the full support of her family to continue.