PM Christopher Luxon says he’d hold referendum on MMP if re
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has expressed support for a potential referendum on the country's MMP voting system if re-elected. The proposal has drawn criticism from coalition partners, who labeled the idea a power grab and questioned the Prime Minister's political strategy.
Why it matters
This proposal could fundamentally alter New Zealand's electoral structure and governing dynamics, potentially shifting power away from minor parties.
Christopher Luxon says he supports having another referendum on the MMP voting system if he’s re-elected as he encourages greater support for National so the party can avoid working with “some yahoo and numpty” in Cabinet.
Act leader David Seymour says he’s not opposed to another referendum but suggests Luxon “may not have thought through what he’s saying” regarding ministers from other parties, noting the number of National ministers who had been dismissed this term.
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says the referendum proposal is “inexplicable” and a “power grab” as he claims Labour and National are “losing their grip on power”.
The Herald understands Luxon’s announcement came as a surprise to National MPs. The Herald has approached the National Party for comment.
National deputy leader Nicola Willis couldn’t confirm the policy had been through the party’s caucus when asked by the Herald .
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