Jacinda Ardern: The Rise and Fall of a Global Icon

2025-06-01 12:00:21.353

In 2022, while washing her hands in an Auckland airport restroom, Jacinda Ardern, then-Prime Minister of New Zealand, was confronted by a woman who angrily thanked her for "ruining the country." This incident marked a turning point, symbolizing a global shift towards increased rage and hostility directed at public figures, particularly those representing progressive politics. Ardern's leadership, characterized by empathy, decisive action (including swift gun law reforms after the Christchurch mosque massacre and effective COVID-19 measures), and a modern, compassionate approach, had initially garnered international acclaim. However, this "Jacinda-mania" eventually waned, replaced by intense criticism and personal attacks. Her memoir, "A Different Kind of Power," details her journey, from her upbringing in a Mormon family to her unexpected rise to power and eventual resignation in January 2023. Ardern attributes her decision not to burnout, but to a conscious assessment that she was no longer operating at the level required. She discusses the challenges of balancing motherhood with the demands of the premiership, the intense pressure of leading during a global pandemic, and the vitriol she faced from both those who felt her COVID-19 restrictions were too strict and those who believed they were insufficient. Ardern reflects on the unique challenges faced by women in leadership roles, the emotional toll of public life, and the need for rehumanizing politics. Despite the negativity, she remains committed to her belief in empathetic leadership and maintains hope that compassion and kindness can prevail. The article concludes with Ardern's reflection on her time in office and her plans to return to New Zealand.