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New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
Photo: Mark Mitchell/AP
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been harassed in her car by anti-vaccination activists.
A video circulating online shows demonstrators driving their car towards the politician's van in the town of Paihia, finally her car is pushed onto the sidewalk.
"Oh, that's fun," comes a voice, "we're on a hunt."
Ardern has now commented on the process, which is already a few days old – and smiled away at the incident.
It was "just another day" for her, Ardern said at a press conference.
"At no time was I concerned for my safety or the safety of those with me."
"I believe that this time will pass"
In her office, every day brings new experiences, Ardern continued.
The corona pandemic is currently bringing with it a climate “that has an intensity that is unusual for New Zealand”.
"I believe that this time will pass."
In the video you can hear how Ardern is massively insulted.
"Shame on you," shouts a woman, followed by even more unpleasant remarks.
The attackers laugh again and again.
In New Zealand, attacks on politicians have been increasing for months, albeit at a low level.
On average, a good five attacks are reported per month, reports the news site 1News, citing police data.
However, 16 attacks were reported at the peak, the highest number in three years.
Almost all attacks are aimed at Ardern.
New Zealand has counted 15,104 Covid-19 cases and 52 deaths since the beginning of the corona pandemic.
In the past two years, strict entry regulations have applied most of the time, and short lockdowns have been imposed time and again.
Most recently, Ardern imposed new restrictions following a regional outbreak of the omicron variant: nine members of a family contracted the highly contagious omicron variant while traveling to a wedding in another city.
A flight attendant on the plane they used also became infected.
Now there is again a maximum limit of 100 fully vaccinated participants at events, and masks are again compulsory in shops and public transport.
The New Zealand head of government is also affected by the regulation: Jacinda Ardern had to call off her own wedding.
Ardern and her long-time partner Clarke Gayford hadn't announced a date for their wedding celebration, but it was thought to take place in the coming weeks.
The new corona restrictions should apply at least until the end of next month.
"That's life," she said when asked how she felt about her canceled wedding.
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