New Zealand's Ardern forms govt with Greens
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's Labor Party on Sunday signed an agreement with the Green Party to create government in the Pacific nation of practically five million.
Ardern earlier this month delivered the biggest election victory on her behalf centre-left Labor Party in half a century. Although she no more needs support from other parties to govern, coalitions are the norm in New Zealand as parties turn to build consensus.On Saturday, Ardern said her new government would be announced on Monday, offering the Greens two ministerial portfolios, but also included increased provisions that permit the coalition partner more freedom.
"What's unique here's that we're both agreeing that people actually need not agree," Ardern told reporters in televised remarks at the signing ceremony on Sunday. The Greens are obliged to back the federal government over decisions manufactured in their portfolios but are otherwise entitled to take a different position to Labor.
"I'm again really proud that people have an excellent mandate, because it implies that that is a cooperation agreement that is a win-win for the Greens," the Green Party's co-leader Marama Davidson said. Prior to the October election, the Labor Party was in a governing coalition also with the Greens and New Zealand First.
