World reacts as Jacinda Ardern resigns

Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand’s prime minister, has shocked the world as she announced she is going to resign.

At the party’s first caucus meeting of the year, Ardern said she “no longer had enough in the tank” to do the job. “It’s time,” she added.

“I’m leaving, because with such a privileged role comes responsibility – the responsibility to know when you are the right person to lead and also when you are not. I know what this job takes. And I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice. It’s that simple,” Ardern said.

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Her term as prime minister will conclude no later than 7 February but she will continue as an MP until the election this year.

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What a great leader @jacindaardern has and continues to be. Knowing when it’s time to handover the baton, without being forced to do so, shows great leadership in itself. pic.twitter.com/0ECuFbrkvR
— Darren Jones MP (@darrenpjones) January 19, 2023

Isabel Oakeshott is rejoicing.

TalkTV's Isabel Oakeshott celebrates Jacinda Ardern's decision to resign as PM of New Zealand. Which world leader would you like to resign next and why? pic.twitter.com/h2H8of0oF6
— TalkTV (@TalkTV) January 19, 2023

As is Julia Hartley-Brewer…

Julia is "thrilled" at New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern, the "lockdown queen", announcing her resignation.

"The darling of the authoritarian forces, she's worn out because it's exhausting locking people in their homes!"@JuliaHB1 pic.twitter.com/pS9eytJsiY
— TalkTV (@TalkTV) January 19, 2023

Praise

However, a lot of people said some very kind words about her.

Very sad to hear @jacindaardern plans to step down … I’m sure there will have been a lot of political and personal soul-searching involved but she has been a breath of fresh air for NZ and far beyond.
— ALASTAIR CAMPBELL (@campbellclaret) January 19, 2023

Whatever you think about Jacinda Ardern’s politics, it’s hard not to feel that her stepping down of her own free will, just because she doesn’t feel she can give her all any longer, makes her qualified for the job in a way that is extremely rare.
— Nick Tyrone (@NicholasTyrone) January 19, 2023

This is the way to do it.

You don't hold on for the sake of holding on. You work hard, then when your new policies & energies start running low, pass the baton to another in your team to keep the momentum high – and depart with good grace and accolades.https://t.co/GOPln3nzIE
— Dr Mike Galsworthy (@mikegalsworthy) January 19, 2023

Salute to Jacinda Ardern.

One of the most successful Covid responses on the planet. I'm not surprised she hasn't "got anything left in the tank."@jacindaardern
— Femi (@Femi_Sorry) January 19, 2023

#PrimeMinister @jacindaardern resigned today. I am not surprised nor do I blame her. Her treatment, the pile on, in the last few months has been disgraceful and embarrassing. All the bullies, the misogynists, the aggrieved. She deserved so much better. A great leader. Thanks PM! pic.twitter.com/7b1AhjBXrW
— Sam Neill (@TwoPaddocks) January 19, 2023

Jacinda Ardern, the NZ PM, steps down.

What a legacy! The pandemic response she led will be taught for decades to come.

I hope she sleeps well knowing she saved thousands, prevented disability in many more, and left a highly vaccinated population.
— Dr Dan Goyal (@danielgoyal) January 19, 2023

Jacinda Ardern is welcome to come work at the TUC any time. pic.twitter.com/5qki3EwX1q
— Trades Union Congress (@The_TUC) January 19, 2023

Thank you, @JacindaArdern, for your partnership and your friendship – and for your empathic, compassionate, strong, and steady leadership over these past several years. The difference you have made is immeasurable. I’m wishing you and your family nothing but the best, my friend. pic.twitter.com/72Q5p9GZzg
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 19, 2023

Jacinda Ardern is the opposite of the power-mad zombies who misgovern the UK. Bereft of ideas, they cling onto power for power's sake, and are prepared to destroy anything and anyone standing in their way, in an effort to retain it.
— George Monbiot (@GeorgeMonbiot) January 19, 2023

10.

Prime Minister @jacindaardern there will never be another like you.I wish there were. You have my admiration, my respect, my well wishes for you+your beautiful family. I have watched you shine uniquely+bravely from afar.Thank you 4showing the rest of the world what’s possible.
— P!nk (@Pink) January 19, 2023

Tags: Jacinda Ardern