After a heated debate with ACT leader Seymour, New Zealand Prime Minister Ardern mumbles an insult into her microphone. The comment is recorded in the official minutes of Parliament - and is now being auctioned off. Where the almost 60,000 euros should go is already clear.
A verbal slip-up by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has surprisingly contributed to a good cause: the signed transcript of a heated exchange in parliament fetched more than $63,000 (around 59,200 euros) at an online auction. During last week's exchange of blows, Ardern described her opponent David Seymour as an "arrogant prick" (arrogant asshole). She didn't expect such a turn after the "faux pas with the old microphone in Parliament," Ardern wrote in online media. The proceeds will go to the New Zealand Prostate Cancer Foundation.
A microphone had recorded Ardern muttering the insult as she returned to her seat. Seymour then asked the Speaker of Parliament for an apology from the Prime Minister - so her remark had to be recorded. Seymour later came up with the idea of using the episode as an opportunity to work together for a good cause. According to him, Ardern immediately agreed. Both politicians then signed a copy of the protocol, which was framed before the auction.
"We managed to laugh at the incident and hatched a plan to raise money for a good cause," Seymour said. "The beauty of this fundraiser is that it appeals to everyone. People who don't like me, people who like me, people who don't like Jacinda and people who like her - but especially people who hate prostate cancer," he said he. The interest in the campaign was even greater than expected, Seymour explained. He only expected a fraction of the auction price.
