Chris Hipkins, 44, has been named to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. He was elected by Labor MPs as the new leader of the Social Democratic Party and will lead the New Zealand government. The current Minister of Education, Police and Public Services was the only candidate, making voting largely a formality.
Hipkins said that under his premiership, the country would focus on recovering the economy from the corona crisis. In addition, he has promised to tackle rising crime.
Hipkins himself is praised for his handling of the coronavirus and is known as a skilled driver. He was of great value to Ardern as a problem solver at times when other Cabinet ministers were in trouble.
Surprising announcement
Ardern, who in 2017 at the age of 37 became one of the youngest female heads of government in the world, surprisingly announced her resignation last week. She said she no longer had enough energy to do it.
Hipkins said his predecessor was treated “horribly” during his more than five-year premiership. He is said to have come under constant personal attacks, particularly on social media. The new prime minister believes people should say more that such treatment is “not good”. He himself says he understands that the life of a prime minister is ‘public property’, but he wants to protect his family as much as possible.
Hipkins says he will take over from Ardern on Wednesday. On October 14, New Zealanders will elect a new parliament.
Source: BNR

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