Jacinda Ardern, the outgoing prime minister of New Zealand, said leading the country was “the greatest privilege of my life.” Today she leaves her post, having led New Zealand’s response to the worst terrorist attack in its history and the Covid pandemic.
Like a Guardian Tess McClure in Auckland tells Michael Safi, Ardern’s global admiration, especially in progressive circles, has made her an unlikely celebrity politician. But in New Zealand, her legacy is more complex. The country, like much of the world, is at the mercy of rising inflation, and its housing is among the most expensive in the world.
Ardern cited that she no longer has “enough fuel” to remain prime minister, but her poll ratings have fallen in recent months and her Labor Party is projected to lose its ruling majority in an election year.
Photo: NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER/AFP/Getty Images
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