Chris Hipkins, 44, was invested Prime Minister following the resignation of the 42 -year -old leader. An inauguration ceremony took place on Wednesday in Wellington.
MO12345LEMONDE with AFP
She’s gone. The resigning New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was officially replaced Wednesday, January 25, by Chris Hipkins, 44. The inauguration ceremony of the new manager took place in Wellington, the capital. Like his predecessor, Mr. Hipkins is Labor.
Ms. Ardern, 42, said last week that he had “no longer enough energy” to continue exercising, after five years marked by a deadly volcanic eruption, the worst attack never perpetrated in the country and The pandemic of COVID-19.
Christopher Hipkins was so far Minister of the Interior, Education and Public Services. Nicknamed “Chippy” by his colleagues, this forty -something for the baby face and red hair had brought together enough support in his party to be the only candidate for the succession of Mrs. Ardern.
“It is the greatest privilege and the greatest responsibility of my life,” said Hipkins, during his inauguration, saying to himself “motivated” and “enthusiastic” in the face of the “challenges that arise” .
conductor of the zero covid strategy
Deputy for fourteen years, man has become a recognized personality of the political scene when he was propelled at the head of the ministry responsible for fighting the pandemic of Covid-19. If his administration has adopted particularly severe measures within the framework of a zero covid strategy, he has acquired a reputation for competence and honesty. Faced with the pandemic, New Zealand had closed its borders and only reopened them in August 2022.
“I go with a feeling of gratitude after having fulfilled this wonderful role for so many years,” said Jacinda Ardern on Tuesday in the press, in Ratana, in the north of the country, during its last public trip as Prime Minister.
The popularity of his Labor government has deteriorated in recent months due to a threatening recession and a resurgence of the conservative opposition. His resignation sparked a debate on a national level about the denigration of women leaders, particularly on social networks.
Chris Hipkins described the attacks it suffered when it was at the head of the State “absolutely odious”. Jacinda Ardern said on Tuesday that she would “hate” that her sudden departure is perceived as a criticism of her country.