In New Zealand, the resigning Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was officially replaced on Wednesday January 25, with the investiture of her successor Chris Hipkins, during a ceremony in Wellington.
"It's the greatest privilege and the greatest responsibility of my life," said Chris Hipkins, 44, saying he was "motivated" and "enthusiastic" about the "challenges that arise".
Chris Hipkins has been hailed for his almost two-year term as minister in charge of the fight against Covid-19, in a country which closed its borders to ward off the pandemic and only reopened them in August 2022 .
Downgraded popularity
Jacinda Ardern, 42, stunned New Zealand when she announced her abrupt removal from power, less than three years after winning a second term in a landslide election victory.
She said last week that she no longer had "enough energy" to continue to perform her duties, after five years marked by a deadly volcanic eruption, the worst attack ever perpetrated in the country and the Covid-19 pandemic.
"I leave with a feeling of gratitude after carrying out this wonderful role for so many years," she told reporters in Ratana (north) on Tuesday during her last public visit as Prime Minister. .
The popularity of his Labor government has soured in recent months due to a looming recession and a resurgence of the Conservative opposition.
Her resignation sparked a nationwide debate about the denigration of women leaders, particularly on social media.
Chris Hipkins has called the attacks she suffered when she was head of state "absolutely heinous".
Jacinda Ardern, however, said on Tuesday that she would "hate" that her sudden departure was seen as a criticism of her country.
With AFP
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