New Zealand’s PM Jacinda Ardern has shown the world a thing or two in her time in politics, in particular, how she doesn’t suffer fools or irrelevant and arbitrary questions.
Sanna Marin, Finland’s PM, was the first Finnish PM to visit New Zealand shores this week, which was in itself, a pretty big deal. But at a joint news conference on Wednesday, the PMs took to the stage to discuss the plans for the future in terms of trade and the potential for future opportunities, when they were met with a question that can only be described as having time travelled from the 50s.
Judging by the photos that have emerged, Marin and Ardern can be seen smiling through gritted teeth, barely covering up the disappointing question thrown at them by one journo, who subsequently, has been met with a lot of criticism via socials this morning by other journalists.
Kiwi Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was quick to shut down a reporter who asked if she met with Finland Prime Minister Sanna Marin “just because” of similarities such as their age.
The journalist questioned the Kiwi PM by asking “A lot of people will be wondering are you two meeting just because you are similar in age and got a lot of common stuff there … when you got into politics and stuff,” STUFF?
“Or can Kiwis actually expect to see more deals between our two countries down the line?”
Ms Ardern responded by questioning whether anyone ever asked former New Zealand prime minister John Key and former US president Barack Obama if they met because of their similar age.
“We of course have a higher proportion of men in politics — it’s reality,” Ms Ardern said.
“Because two women meet, it’s not simply because of their gender. Finland exports into New Zealand $199 million worth of exports.”
Marrin was quick to follow suit in shutting down the ridiculous question by adding: “we are meeting because we are prime ministers”
New Zealand has recently marked the milestone of having a majority of women in parliament, making it the sixth country to do so.
Check out the video below.
Watch NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern pick apart this reporter's question during a joint press conference with Finnish PM Sanna Marin. He asked the pair 'are you two meeting because you're similar in age and got a lot of common stuff there?'
Read more: https://t.co/eTtJEqJoFZ pic.twitter.com/UBEZs1kzvF— SBS News (@SBSNews) November 30, 2022
full question and the responsehttps://t.co/YlmGmn4pQU
— Ben McKay (@benmackey) November 29, 2022
https://twitter.com/copontolife/status/1597735329028780034?s=20&t=E5k51j_wCrbqQN1Wjy312Q
