Jacinda Arden, New Zealand Prime Minister, Gratitude Filled Speech Marks Her Departure
Jacinda Arden, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, gave her last official speech on Tuesday (01.24.2023) that was full of gratitude for the country and its people. At a Maori event honoring Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana, the founder of an important political and religious movement, she said that the majority of New Zealanders continuously showed her “love, empathy and kindness.” She added, “I leave with a feeling of gratitude for having held this wonderful role for so many years.”
Despite the pressure and harassment on her through social media platforms, she denied that it had anything to do with her resignation which was announced last week. She told reporters that it was due to the lack of “energy” or “fuel in the tank” after five years of office.
The 42-year-old left with increased love and affection for the country and its people, making sure that her departure was not seen as anything negative. She said she is now ready to take up other roles, like being a “deputy in the second row, a sister, and a mother,” her daughter, Neve, starting school in June.
Chris Hipkins, the former Minister for the pandemic in the country, was the only nominee for taking over as Party leader and as the country’s Prime Minister tomorrow and Ardern said she was sure he would do a “wonderful” job.
All in all, Ardern’s speech was an emotional one, full of gratitude and love for the country she led for five years.
