The resigning Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern was officially replaced on Wednesday, with the inauguration of her successor Chris Hipkins, during a ceremony in Wellington.
“It is the greatest privilege and the greatest responsibility of my life,” said Mr. Hipkins, 44, saying he was “motivated” and “enthusiastic” in the face of the “challenges that arise”.
Chris Hipkins has been hailed for his nearly two-year tenure as minister responsible for the fight against COVID-19, in a country that closed its borders to ward off the pandemic and only reopened them in August 2022.
Jacinda Ardern stunned New Zealand when she announced her abrupt removal from power, less than three years after winning a second term in a landslide election victory.
Ms Ardern, 42, said last week that she did not have “enough energy” to carry on with her duties, after five years marked by a deadly volcanic eruption, the worst attack ever in the country and the coronavirus pandemic. COVID-19.
“I leave with a sense of gratitude after fulfilling this wonderful role for so many years,” she told reporters in Ratana on Tuesday during her last public visit as prime minister.
The popularity of his Labor government has soured in recent months due to a looming recession and a resurgence of the Conservative opposition.
Her resignation sparked a nationwide debate about the denigration of women leaders, particularly on social media.
Chris Hipkins called the attacks she suffered when she was head of state “absolutely heinous”.
Jacinda Ardern, however, said on Tuesday that she would “hate” if her sudden departure was seen as a criticism of her country.