All of a sudden, a very unexpected decision was made by that very unconventional politician a few days ago: New Zealand was told that the Prime Minister John Key would leave his job. For sure there have been wildest theories why he made this decision so suddenly, but as we know now from his official resignation speech he made it due to his wish to spend more time with his family — probably especially to watch his children grow up (his words) (who are now grown ups and have certainly other plans like moving out and going to college). Still many people share the opinion that Key took this step because he wasn’t really taken with the idea of being responsivle for taking any further actions regarding the forseen earthquake on the 13th, 24th or the 25th of December.
However, he pointed out that „the most rewarding times was being able to lead the country during times of crisis (…)“ and his final words looking back at his term were „It was awesome, I really loved it.“
Now New Zealand can prepare for the next Prime Minister Simon William „Bill“ English wo can other than John Key already look back at a political career which started in 1990 before taking office as PM. From now on the 54 year old New Zealander will be NZ 39th Prime Minister after he entered politics in 1990, being part of the National Party he was elected for Minister of Finance in 1999 and again in 2008 and afterwards (or rather in between) deputy leader under John Key in 2006. English was unopposed eleted after Key voted him.
According to his political and social attitudes he is said to have rather conservative views as for example his opposition to abortion and gay marriage — issues that are perpetually controversially discussed as they are polarising in political or social debates for years. But English has not even actually started his office — let’s see what he will undertake in the following weeks.
