New Zealand’s health minister, David Clark, has been demoted for breaking Coronavirus lockdown rules.
Breaking restrictions, the 47-year-old and his family drove around 20km from his home in Dunedin to Doctor’s Point Beach for a walk last week, admitting the violation.
Clark admitted his mistake, describing himself as an “idiot” and offering his resignation to Ardern, who declined it and instead demoted him.
He stated, “As the health minister, it’s my responsibility to not only follow the rules but set an example to other New Zealanders.
“At a time when we are asking New Zealanders to make historic sacrifices I’ve let the team down. I’ve been an idiot, and I understand why people will be angry with me.”
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern acknowledged that under normal circumstances, she would have dismissed Mr. Clark but opted to retain him as health minister during the global pandemic, demoting him to the bottom of the cabinet rankings.
He was also relieved of his role as associate finance minister.
“We cannot afford massive disruption in the health sector or to our response,” Ms. Ardern stated.
“For that reason, and that reason alone, Dr. Clark will maintain his role. But he does need to pay a price – he broke the rules.
“While he maintains his health portfolio, I am stripping him of his role as associate finance minister and demoting him to the bottom of our cabinet rankings. I expect better, and so does New Zealand.”
In New Zealand, there are more than 1100 cases of Coronavirus with one death.