(Wellington) Christopher Luxon was sworn in as New Zealand’s prime minister on Monday and said his top priority was improving the economy.
The 53-year-old former businessman is leading a conservative coalition after his national party struck a deal on Friday with two smaller parties following last month’s general election.
After the inauguration ceremony, presided over by Governor General Cindy Kiro, Luxon told reporters the job was a “huge responsibility.”
He mentioned he would hold his first cabinet meeting on Tuesday and seek to quickly finalize a 100-day plan. He is also planning a visit to Australia before Christmas Day.
Mr Luxon said he needed to get a report from the Treasury on the state of the government’s finances.
“We have been worried and concerned about the deteriorating situation for several months now,” Mr Luxon said.
As part of the coalition deal, Mr Luxon promised to cut taxes and train 500 more police officers within two years.
Less bureaucracy, less spending, less tobacco
He also promised less government bureaucracy, including a 6.5% cut in the civil service.
Mr. Luxon said it would be up to departmental directors-general to determine how to make these budget cuts, whether by stopping programs, not filling vacant positions or laying off some workers.
The new government also plans to repeal tobacco restrictions approved last year by the previous government, including requiring low levels of nicotine in cigarettes, reducing the number of retailers and a lifetime ban for young people .
Mr Luxon said his government disagreed with parts of the policy, including the concentration of distribution. He said smoking rates have been falling for 30 years.
“We will continue to ensure that we have good education programs and encourage people to embrace vaping as a cessation tool,” Luxon said.
But critics said the plan was a setback for public health and a victory for the tobacco industry.
Chris Hipkins, who officially resigned from his post of 41 on Mondaye Prime Minister of the country, said he wished Mr Luxon and his coalition partners well. He said the country had gone through difficult times but the economy was turning a corner.
Mr Hipkins, who held the top job for 10 months after Jacinda Ardern’s unexpected resignation in January, plans to remain in Parliament as opposition leader.