The resigned New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern expressed her gratitude on Tuesday for the time spent at the head of the government, on the eve of the inauguration of her successor Chris Hipkins, France Presse informs, Agerpres reads.

„I leave with a feeling of gratitude after having fulfilled this wonderful role for so many years,” she told reporters in the Maori village of Ratana (north), during her last public visit as prime minister.

The 42-year-old politician declared last week that she „no longer has enough energy” to exercise her function, after five years marked by a deadly volcanic eruption, the worst attack ever committed in the country and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Her resignation, which came less than three years after a landslide election victory, sparked a national debate about the denigration of women leaders, particularly on social media.

Chris Hipkins, who will be sworn in as prime minister on Wednesday, described as „absolutely despicable” the attacks Ms Ardern suffered while she was head of state.

But Jacinda Ardern said on Tuesday that she „would hate” for her sudden departure to be seen as a criticism of her country.

The popularity of Ms Ardern’s Labor government has eroded in recent months due to the looming recession and the resurgence of the Conservative opposition.

Agerpres