Jacinda Ardern bids emotional farewell as prime minister, speaks of kindness and empathy of New Zealanders.
Jacinda Ardern, the 42-year-old prime minister of New Zealand, bid an emotional farewell on her last day as prime minister on Tuesday. She addressed a gathering of politicians and Maori elders in the small town of Ratana, north of the capital Wellington, and thanked them for the greatest privilege of her life. The left-leaning global icon gained attention for bringing her baby to a United Nations meeting and wearing a hijab after a massacre targeting Muslims. She will be replaced by the new Labour party leader, Chris Hipkins.
At the gathering, Ardern was surrounded by supporters and Maori elders spoke with humour and warmth about her. She said she was leaving the job with love in her heart and expressed her gratitude to New Zealanders for the kindness and empathy they had shown her. Before heading onto the grounds, Ardern faced the media for possibly the last time as prime minister.
Chris Hipkins, the country’s former COVID minister, was the only person nominated to take over as Labour Party leader. He was first elected to parliament in 2008. Ardern expressed her readiness to be a backbench MP, a sister, and a mother. Her daughter Neve is 4 years old and starts school in June.
Jacinda Ardern’s farewell speech was a testament to her leadership and her commitment to the people of New Zealand. She was praised for her courage and compassion in the face of adversity, and for her willingness to bring her baby to the United Nations. Her replacement, Chris Hipkins, is a former COVID minister and has been a member of parliament since 2008. He will now take up the mantle of leading the Labour Party and the country.
Jacinda Ardern’s legacy will be remembered for generations. Her ability to show kindness and empathy in the face of adversity, and her commitment to the people of New Zealand, will be an inspiration to many. Her farewell speech was a fitting tribute to her time as prime minister, and her legacy will remain long after her departure.
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