National MPs arrive at Parliament after Christopher Luxon apology
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon apologized for comments suggesting small business owners were acting with a 'parent-child mentality' regarding government support. While some colleagues defended the apology as a sign of integrity, others argued that leaders should remain firm in their economic positions.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between government economic policy and the expectations of the small business sector.
National Party Deputy leader Nicola Willis defended her leader this morning, saying Christopher Luxon’s decision to apologise for remarks made to Rotorua businesses would not cause another round of leadership speculation.
“We have a very capable Prime Minister leading the country in what are challenging times, making the decisions to ensure we are moving forward,” Willis told the Mike Hosking Breakfast on Newstalk ZB.
Luxon apologised on Monday after last week describing a business community’s concerns as taking a “negative view” and saying they should be acting like an “adult”. He said there was a “parent-child mentality” between government and business.
Willis said Luxon’s apology did him credit by acknowledging an error.
“I think this is about his integrity, which is that, yes, he stands by his philosophy, but equally where he thinks he’s caused offence he’s going to fess up and apologise – good on him.”
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