New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has auctioned a parliamentary report in which she insults an opponent, to raise funds for the fight against prostate cancer.
After a tough exchange Tuesday with David Seymour, a political opponent, Jacinda Ardern returned to her seat, exasperated. A microphone in Parliament then picks up these mumblings: “What an arrogant asshole”. Online auctions for the minutes where the insult appears, signed by the Prime Minister and David Seymour, to whom she apologized, reached Friday 45,500 New Zealand dollars (27,200 euros). “We are delighted to have so much support”David Seymour told AFP on Friday.
“For assholes around the world”
The insult was recorded following a request from the opponent, who had asked the president of the chamber for an apology from Jacinda Ardern. The latter subsequently sent a separate message to the leader of the liberal right-wing ACT party, who had the idea of using this dispute to serve charity. “I suggested that we sign a copy of the parliamentary transcript to raise money for the Foundation and for assholes around the world”explained David Seymour.
This insult was not at all “genre” of the Prime Minister, he acknowledged. She also easily accepted the proposal, said her opponent. The leader of the ACT party hopes that the document “will leave for a lot of money. It’s rather unusual and for a good cause.”. Bidding will end on December 22.