Incoming New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins will prioritize the economy as a recession looms and may jettison some of Jacinda Ardern¡¯s policies as he seeks to win back the political middle ground ahead of an October election.
¡°As prime minister, I will lead a team that¡¯s focused and working hard to fix the big issues that so many families and businesses are facing,¡± Hipkins told a news conference Sunday in Wellington after the ruling Labor Party endorsed him to succeed Ardern. ¡°I know that some New Zealanders feel that we are doing too much too fast, and I have heard that message.¡±
Labor, which is trailing the main opposition National Party in opinion polls, moved swiftly to unite behind Hipkins and ensure a smooth leadership transition following Ardern¡¯s shock resignation last week.
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