Who Is New Zealand’s ‘Infectious Diseases Minister’ Chris Hipkins, Who May Succeed Jacinda Ardern

Chris Hipkinswho played a leading role in the response New Zealand to do The international spread of Covid-19is invited to take office as Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardernappears as The only candidate Recommended to lead Labor Party After the chairman resigned on Thursday.

“I am honored by the support my colleagues have shown me,” Hipkins said at a press conference in Wellington today following the conclusion of his appointment.

Hipkins, 44 years old and present Minister of Police and responsible for Education and Public Service DepartmentsHe still needs formal approval to become Labor leader on Sunday.

So quoted Ardern, who announced her resignation last Thursday in a surprise announcement There is no “high energy”. To continue, he will hand in his resignation letter February 7At that time, Hipkins would serve as Prime Minister Elections will be held on October 14.

“I am leaving because with such a privileged role comes responsibility. Responsible for knowing when you are the right person to lead and when you are not.. I know what this job requires. And I know I don’t have enough in the tank to justify it. It’s that simple,” Ardern said.

“I’m not leaving because I don’t think we can win the next election, but because I think we can (win),” he said.

A few months before the election, the latest opinion polls show a certain gain for the opposition National Party.

“I’m feeling energized and excited and looking forward to getting to work,” Hipkins said today, who admitted, “Right now, we’re going through some Economic turmoil We have to get around them given the rising prices and the possibility of the country entering recession this year.

“But I’m sure we can come out of this better than we came in. I’m very optimistic about the future,” he added.

Hipkins was first elected as an MP in 2008, and one of her most senior positions came when she was appointed in November 2020. Covid-19 MinisterNew Zealand has spearheaded one of the world’s strictest border closures and control programs for more than two years, which has earned its critics at home.

The politician later admitted that there were lockdowns “difficult” And, as people grow weary of restrictions, it’s time to move away from New Zealand’s successful zero COVID policy.

A nickname Oyster -a combination of his first and last name-, the minister caused one of the few comic moments of the pandemic when he encouraged citizens to take to the streets to “break the morning”, confusing himself with the expression “to stretch the morning”. , which generated a barrage of hilarious comments on the networks.

He was, until his death, Minister of Justice Gary AllenA potential successor to Ardern described her as: “A determined and incredibly strong Prime Minister”Nevertheless, he will find it difficult to achieve the fame of his predecessor.

The politician Ardern turned to in moments of crisis still praised the Labor leader “The Incredible Prime Minister”“He who has governed in a calm and steady manner, I hope will continue to do so.”

“We are different people, though, and I hope people see it that way,” he added.

(With information from EFE, Europa Press and AFP)

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