The future Prime Minister of New Zealand, Chris Hipkins, has appealed in his first speech as head of government to his disgruntled compatriots to make them see that he will focus primarily on those with «middle and low incomes», while not ruling out cutting programs and projects that are not «essential».
«I will lead a team focused on solving the big problems facing many families and businesses,» Hipkins told a press conference in Wellington on Sunday following Labor’s endorsement of him to succeed Jacinda Ardern, Bloomberg reports.
«We will focus on the present and the basic issues that people are concerned about. I know people are worried about paying the grocery bill and the mortgage. I want them to know we are on their side,» Hipkins said.
«I know some people think we’re doing a lot of things too fast, and I’ve heard that message,» explained Hipkins, who at another point in the press conference noted that they will make decisions next week about cutting some programs and projects that are not «essential» at this time.
Labor, which trails the main opposition National Party in opinion polls, moved quickly to unite around Hipkins and ensure a smooth leadership transition following Ardern’s surprise resignation last week.
Initiatives he can refer to are the merger of state broadcasters TVNZ and Radio New Zealand, as well as water infrastructure reforms, both of which have become lightning rods for voter discontent.
The Labour Party is trailing the main opposition National Party in the polls. Hipkins faces a major battle to convince New Zealanders to revalidate his mandate for a third time, given the difficult economic forecasts.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
