October 23, 2017
Jacinda Ardern was inaugurated as the Prime Minister of New Zealand, marking her as the youngest female head of government in the world at that time.
Wellington, New Zealand | New Zealand Government
On October 26, 2017, Jacinda Ardern was officially sworn in as the 40th Prime Minister of New Zealand. At the age of 37, she became the youngest female head of government in the world at that time and the third woman to hold the office in New Zealand’s history.
Jacinda Ardern became the Leader of the Labour Party on August 1, 2017, after the resignation of Andrew Little. Her leadership marked a significant shift in New Zealand’s political landscape, as she rapidly gained popularity and was able to revitalize the Labour Party’s prospects ahead of the September general election that year. Often referred to as “Jacindamania,” this surge in support highlighted her charismatic and empathetic approach to politics.
The 2017 general elections, held on September 23, resulted in a hung parliament where no single party gained an outright majority. The Labour Party, under Ardern’s leadership, secured 46 seats, while the National Party, led by then-Prime Minister Bill English, won 56 seats. The pivotal role of the New Zealand First party, led by Winston Peters, became crucial in the coalition talks. Largely due to Ardern’s negotiation skills, on October 19, 2017, New Zealand First announced they would form a coalition with the Labour Party, supported by the Green Party, thereby providing Ardern the numbers needed to become Prime Minister.
On October 26, Jacinda Ardern was formally sworn in at the Government House in Wellington. Her inauguration signified a fresh approach to leadership, emphasizing progressive policies focused on climate change, child poverty, and equality. Ardern’s leadership style, characterized by openness and direct engagement with the public, garnered global attention and admiration.
Jacinda Ardern’s rise to power was significant not only for her age but also because she represented a new wave of progressive and empathetic leadership. Her focus on social issues and her decisive actions during crises, like the Christchurch mosque shootings and the COVID-19 pandemic, later cemented her status as an influential global leader. Ardern’s tenure highlighted a shift toward more inclusive and compassionate politics and underscored her influence both domestically and internationally.
Source: www.nytimes.com