New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced Thursday she will stand aside for a new leader within weeks, saying she doesn't believe she has the energy to seek re-election in the October polls.
Speaking at a news conference, Ardern said her term would end by February 7, when she expects a new Labour prime minister will be sworn in -- though "depending on the process that could be earlier."
The attack was a defining moment of Ardern's leadership, and her rapid response won widespread praise. She swiftly introduced gun law reforms, wore a hijab to show her respect for the Muslim community and publicly said she would never speak the name of the alleged attacker. That popularity has extended overseas, with Ardern gracing the covers of Vogue and Time magazine, and hosting American TV personality Stephen Colbert at her suburban Auckland home.
"Leaving now is the best thing for her reputation ... she will go out on good terms rather than lose the election," he said. For instance, when announcing her pregnancy in 2018, she underlined women's ability to balance work with motherhood.
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