Post by John Farrell on Nov 17, 2023 1:56:55 GMT
The final counts have been completed, and the writs returned after our election, here in Enzed. Christopher Luxon, the leader of the largest party in parliament, told us on election night that he was an expert negotiator, having brokered many business deals in his career, and that he would be swift in forming a government.
Now, more than a month later, he is still talking with the leaders of the two smaller parties he is looking to support him. It appears that supposed expertise in business negotiation is useless when you have to deal with other politicians. Leaks from the talks suggest that Luxon, who has only 3 years parliamentary experience, misunderstood the basis of the negotiation, expecting to dictate to his prospective partners. The other two parties, though, are looking for cabinet posts and policy concessions.
It doesn't help Luxon that one of the negotiating parties is headed by Winston Peters, who was first elected to parliament in 1979, and who has been a partner in 3 previous coalition governments. Winston knows all the tricks.
Late last week, Luxon expressed the desire to attend the APEC summit, on Wednesday 15th November, as Prime Minister, before he had any sort of agreement from NZ First and ACT. Winston, leader of NZ First, ensured that negotiations were still running on Wednesday...the APEC summit was attended by the trade minister from the previous Labour government.
Now, more than a month later, he is still talking with the leaders of the two smaller parties he is looking to support him. It appears that supposed expertise in business negotiation is useless when you have to deal with other politicians. Leaks from the talks suggest that Luxon, who has only 3 years parliamentary experience, misunderstood the basis of the negotiation, expecting to dictate to his prospective partners. The other two parties, though, are looking for cabinet posts and policy concessions.
It doesn't help Luxon that one of the negotiating parties is headed by Winston Peters, who was first elected to parliament in 1979, and who has been a partner in 3 previous coalition governments. Winston knows all the tricks.
Late last week, Luxon expressed the desire to attend the APEC summit, on Wednesday 15th November, as Prime Minister, before he had any sort of agreement from NZ First and ACT. Winston, leader of NZ First, ensured that negotiations were still running on Wednesday...the APEC summit was attended by the trade minister from the previous Labour government.
