New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern unexpectedly resigns.

(Warren Buckland/New Zealand Herald via AP)

Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand, revealed on Thursday that she would leave office in February. At a gathering with Labour Party members, she said, "For me, it is time." "I have no more energy for another four years."

Ardern, who led her centre-left party to a resounding victory in the 2020 election, came to power in 2017 through a coalition government. However, recent surveys show a decline in both her and her party's support.

She stated that she hoped to find the energy to continue as leader at Labor's annual gathering, "but I haven't been able to," in her first public appearance since Parliament went on break in December.

She said that she would remain a member of Parliament until the next general election, which will take place on October 14. She remarked, "I'm not leaving because I don't believe we can win the next election; I believe we can and we will."

Ardern made sure there was no hidden agenda behind her resignation. "I am a human. Until the moment arrives, we offer everything we have. Finally, my turn has come."

"I'm leaving because such a privileged post comes with a big responsibility, the obligation of deciding when you are the appropriate person to lead and when you are not," she stated.