Political experts weigh Luxon’s options as Peters’ controversial comments damage diplomacy
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon faces pressure to act against Foreign Minister Winston Peters over offensive remarks about China and India that risk New Zealand's international relationships.
Winston Peters has made inflammatory comments including telling a Chinese-New Zealand MP to "go back to your own country" and describing China as lying "like flat fish". China's embassy has lodged formal diplomatic concerns. Political figures and commentators are divided on whether Luxon should fire Peters as foreign minister, with some arguing his comments show unfitness for office while others warn that dismissing him could collapse the coalition government and backfire politically.
Covered byThe SpinoffNot covered byRNZStuffNZ Herald1NewsNewstalk ZBOtago Daily TimesNewsroomBusinessDeskinterest.co.nz
Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.
What outlets are saying
The Spinoff
How do you solve a problem like Winston Peters? Fine political minds offer Luxon advice
The foreign minister is risking New Zealand’s relationships with China and India, and the prime minister may be powerless to stop him. Prime minister Christopher Luxon and foreign minister Winston Peters have fallen into the same dance many times this…