New Zealand voters have delivered a forceful rejection of the Labour government as a surge in support for the National party delivered what analysts described as a “bloodbath” for the government and a new right-leaning era for politics in the country.
The result marked a dramatic change in fortunes for the Labour party, which three years earlier – led by Jacinda Ardern - secured a historic mandate, but saw its support dwindle in the face of rising living costs and the Covid pandemic.
Speaking to a large crowd of party-faithful at his election night event in Auckland, National party leader Christopher Luxon said his party was on course to form the next government with libertarian party Act. “All over this country you have reached for hope and you have voted for change,” Luxon said. » | Eva Corlett in Wellington | Saturday, October 14, 2023
While you’re delivering change, don’t forget to give young people their rights back! Repeal that ridiculous incremental ban on smoking for New Zealand’s young that Jacinda Adern introduced! Be democratic, not autocratic. – © Mark Alexander
New Zealand elects new government as Labour suffers heavy losses across electoral map
