Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, whose “go early, go hard” response to the pandemic drew international acclaim, is set to testify before the country’s Royal Commission into COVID-19, likely reigniting debate over her government’s handling of the crisis.
Her global message of “be kind” was held up as an example early in the pandemic, earning support in both New Zealand and abroad.
However, harsh lockdowns and strict border policies, which initially prevented citizens from returning and later allowed re-entry only via a lottery-like system due to limited capacity, sparked widespread backlash.
Protests culminated in a 23-day occupation of Parliament grounds, ending in a forced removal by police….
Ardern to Face Questions at COVID Inquiry Over Lockdowns, Mandates
