A new coalition government between the Labour and New Zealand First parties signals a move away from neoliberalism towards ‘capitalism with a human face’.
Bill English’s National Party got 46% of the vote, but needs a coalition partner to form the next government.
Reuters/Nigel Marple
As the leaders of New Zealand’s two major parties enter coalition talks with minor parties, a reluctance to cross ideological boundaries could limit their options.
Bill English addresses supporters at the National Party election night event.
AAP
New Zealanders have given the centre-right National Party a fourth consecutive term in office, despite a strong showing from Labour’s Jacinda Ardern.
Bill English (right) has campaigned on stability and continuity, while Labour leader Jacinda Ardern (left) is looking for a generational step-change and a new style of politics.
Wikimedia
As New Zealanders go to the polls, they may look back on the election campaign as a turning point in the country’s politics, regardless of the outcome.
Can the left bounce back? The UK Labour’s Jeremy Corbyn, French Socialist Party’s Benoit Hamon and German socialist party leader Martin Schulz certainly hope so, as does New Zealand Labour’s great hope, Jacinda Ardern.
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