World reacts to Jacinda Ardern’s resignation announcement
New Zealand’s prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, in an unexpected announcement on Thursday said that she would step down no later than February 7, and that there would be a general election on October 14.
“I hope I leave New Zealanders with a belief that you can be kind but strong, empathetic but decisive, optimistic but focussed,” Ardern said in an emotional resignation announcement. “And that you can be your own kind of leader — one who knows when it’s time to go.”
New Zealand’s youngest prime minister put tiny country on the map in her five years tenure in the office.
The 41-year-old became a global icon for left-leaning politics and women in leadership, gained attention for bringing her baby to a United Nations meeting and wearing a hijab after a massacre targeted Muslims in New Zealnd.
Here is how the world including figures in government and others react about Jacinda Ardern’s resignation resignation:
JUSTIN TRUDEAU, CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER
“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.”
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
AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE
“Jacinda Ardern has shown the world how to lead with intellect and strength. She has demonstrated that empathy and insight are powerful leadership qualities. Jacinda has been a fierce advocate for New Zealand, an inspiration to so many and a great friend to me.”
Jacinda Ardern has shown the world how to lead with intellect and strength.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) January 19, 2023
She has demonstrated that empathy and insight are powerful leadership qualities.
Jacinda has been a fierce advocate for New Zealand, an inspiration to so many and a great friend to me. pic.twitter.com/QJ64mNCJMI
Tom Udall, US Ambassador To New Zealand And Samoa
“The saying goes, we don’t remember days, we remember moments. How warmly PM Arden welcomed us to Aotearoa, being w/ her & the President in the Oval… so many treasured moments. An incredible world leader, she is manaakitanga personified. Very proud of what we accomplished together.”
The saying goes, we don’t remember days we remember moments. How warmly PM Ardern welcomed us to Aotearoa, being w/ her & the President in the Oval… so many treasured moments. An incredible world leader, she’s manaakitanga personified. Very proud of what we accomplished together pic.twitter.com/ztNyklmvya
— Ambassador Tom Udall 🇺🇸 (@USAmbNZ) January 19, 2023
Reactions continue to pour in on the Twitter timeline to Jacinda Ardern resignation announcement:
Love her or hate her, Jacinda Ardern charted a unique legacy on world arena. She put New Zealand on map when it came to fighting climate change, when Muslims in NZ were attacked, and during Covid.
— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) January 19, 2023
Knowing when to go is becoming a scarce political quality even in democracies…
#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
What a day! And what inspiration. This is the unique leadership qualities @jacindaardern – empathy, humility, self awareness 👏 pic.twitter.com/fQiND8HP9M
— Andrew Little (@AndrewLittleMP) January 19, 2023
Jacinda Ardern is a young, accomplished, female leader and that made a lot of people, who are stuck in the past, mad, both in New Zealand and around the world.
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) January 19, 2023
Congrats Jacinda Ardern on everything you have accomplished. pic.twitter.com/Ayy22qIbHU
