Chris Hipkins sworn in as New Zealand's 41st Prime Minister. co. nz.

The 44-year-old politician took the premiership after Jacinda Ardern, who unexpectedly announced last week that she was leaving the post..

During the election ceremony, Hipkins said that being Prime Minister is the greatest privilege and responsibility in his life.. In addition, he added that he is energetic and enthusiastic.

Together with Hipkins, the new Deputy Prime Minister of the country, Carmela Sepuloni, took the oath..

Already former Prime Minister of New Zealand Ardern argued her resignation by the fact that she does not have enough energy to stay in office. She will remain in Parliament, but has already said she intends to stay out of busy politics..

During Ardern's term, New Zealand has been hit by natural disasters, the most devastating terrorist attack in the country's history and the coronavirus pandemic. The prominence of her centre-left government has been hit hard over the past two years by rising inflation, the threat of a recession, and a rise in conservative opposition..

Hipkins was previously responsible for the country's coronavirus response.. Now his task is to increase the popularity of the government during the election campaign on the eve of the elections, which will be held in October.. He has previously said his government will focus on the economic crisis resulting from the coronavirus pandemic..

New Zealand supports Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression. In December 2022, the country announced the provision of 3 million. New Zealand dollars (about $1.9 million. ) for the purchase of humanitarian aid.

Earlier, New Zealand has already sent 7.93 million New Zealand dollars (about $5 million) as humanitarian aid to Ukraine and 37.5 million New Zealand dollars ($24.2 million) for the purchase of weapons for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

In addition, the New Zealand government supported sanctions against Russia and announced new sanctions against Iran due to the supply of weapons to Russia..