The opposition in New Zealand recognized Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s victory of the incumbent Labor Party in the general election. Opposition leader Judith Collins of the Conservative National Party congratulated Ardern on New Zealand TV today and spoke of an „outstanding“ result for the Labor Party.
After three-quarters of the vote were counted, the Labor Party was 49 percent, the National Party 27 percent and the Greens 7.6 percent. A commentator on New Zealand TV spoke of a „considerable left slide“. Ardern, also known abroad for her successful crisis management, has been in office since 2017.
Ardern has ruled a coalition of Labor, the Greens and the small populist party New Zealand First, which is known for its anti-immigrant positions. Three years ago the party had tipped the scales and surprisingly brought Ardern into office. Now she clearly lost. The Greens, however, were able to gain.
