AUCKLAND, New Zealand (CU)_New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has condemned the violent protests in the US Capitol today (Jan 7), noting that the voice of the people should not be undone by a mob.
“Like so many others, I’ve been watching what’s happening in the United States. I share the sentiment of friends in the US – what is happening is wrong. Democracy – the right of people to exercise a vote, have their voice heard and then have that decision upheld peacefully should never be undone by a mob,” Ardern wrote on Instagram.
“Our thoughts are with everyone who is as devastated as we are to see the events of today,” she added. “I have no doubt that democracy will prevail.”
New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta also expressed similar views on the matter, adding that “violence has no place in thwarting democracy”.
“We regret unfolding events in Washington DC. Our thoughts are with the American people,” she said in a tweet. She added that New Zealand looks forward to a peaceful transition of a political administration, ” which is the hallmark of democracy”.
New Zealand’s former Prime Minister, Helen Clark, also criticised the riots in Washington DC, noting that such events are “an affront to democracy”.
However, in neighbouring Australia, the government’s reaction was more restrained and toned down in comparison.
Earlier today, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he is hopeful for a peaceful transfer of power in the US, and condemned the rioters for “terribly distressing” acts of violence, but stopped short of criticising US President Donald Trump for sending mixed messages by asking his supporters to disperse, while also insisting that the election held last November was a fraudulent one.
This response of the Prime Minister was criticised by Australia’s opposition leader, Anthony Albanese, as well as Morrison’s predecessor, Malcolm Turnbull, who called his response “a bit weak” and “a bit tepid” in comparison to condemnation from other world leaders.
