New Zealand prime minister announces stepping down next month

January 19, 2023

- Jacinda Ardern also announces to leave politics, says will not contest upcoming general elections

NEW ZEALAND - A surprise move, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Thursday stepped down and announces general elections in the country later this year.

Ardern said her final day in office will be February 7 and she will not contest the upcoming general election.

“While I won’t be contesting the election, I know the issues that impact New Zealanders most will remain the focus of the Government through this year and into the election," Prime Minister Arden announce in a statement.

With tearful eyes and upset mood, Ardern said she reflected over the summer and tried to find a way to keep going for another year and another term but she could not.

"After going on six years of some big challenges, I am human. Politicians are human. For me, it's time," state-run Radio New Zealand quoted her as saying

"So today I'm announcing that I will not be seeking re-election and my term as prime minister will conclude no later than the 7th of February.

However, she would continue as member of parliament until the end of April which according to her spare her country from by-election as general elections will be held on Oct-14.

"The Government’s intention is that the House will rise on Thursday the 31st of August and Parliament will be dissolved on Friday the 8th of September," the premier said.