New Zealand: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on the campaign trail for a second term

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1 min

The Labor Party of the popular Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is launching this Saturday its campaign for the legislative elections which will take place on September 19. But the battle promises to be tough.

Publicity

In three years of power, the popularity of Jacinda Ardern still reaches new heights. As of mid-May, 92% of New Zealand voters approved of his policies as the country just started to emerge from one of the strictest lockdowns on the planet.

A great success for the Labor Party and their leader, who nevertheless went through three trying years, marked by the terrorist attack in Christchurch , the eruption of a volcano and a pandemic. Each time, Jacinda Ardern has been able to combine firmness, responsiveness and above all empathy. Her communication skills and rapid decision-making have been praised around the world.

His conservative opponent, former Minister of Justice and Police Judith Collins attacks him mainly on his lack of a clear vision of the future, in particular to revive the economy hard hit by the health crisis. The one we nickname the "grinder" will she succeed in dethroning Jacinda Ardern? Many observers doubt it. Even if economic uncertainty and the inexorable rise in unemployment risk tipping part of the electorate towards the National Party. Verdict on September 19.

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• New Zealand