Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and Maori Party leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer Speak Out on Unprecedented Harassment and Threats Against the Resigning Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern
Prominent New Zealand political and public figures are denouncing the “unprecedented” harassment and threats Prime Minister, Labor Jacinda Ardern has faced in recent years culminating in her announcement of resignation on Thursday.
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said Ardern has experienced a “level of hate and harassment that to me is unprecedented” in New Zealand. Adding her voice to the dialogue, Maori Party Leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer asserted that Ardern is an “exceptional leader” unjustly subjected to a “constant vilification.”
New Zealand Police revealed last June that threats to Ardern had tripled in the past three years, a result of the public’s vehement dissent against anti-vaccine legislation and firearms regulations.
Though Ardern stated her resignation was not influence by the threats and harassment, others point to her dwindling popularity as a result of her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, as well as sustained criticism from the anti-vaccine movement.
Ardern is expected to step down no later than February 7th.
