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New Zealand lawmakers lay out problems facing new government leaders

Xinhua, December 12, 2016 Adjust font size:

Opposition lawmakers on Monday wasted no time in reminding New Zealand' new government leaders of the challenges they now face.

The country's bourgeoning housing crisis was the top priority for new Prime Minister Bill English and Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett, who were elected earlier Monday, according to the Labour and Green parties.

Labour Party leader Andrew Little said the "right-wing rump" of the ruling center-right National Party was reasserting itself with the election of English to replace John Key, who resigned last week after eight years as Prime Minister.

"We have pressing problems facing New Zealand right now, and we need to see solutions urgently," Little said in a statement.

"Is the change in leadership really going to make this government understand that thousands of New Zealanders don't have a roof over their heads, or can't get the hospital care they need, and that parents worry that their kids are not getting the education they deserve," said Little.

"How will he solve the housing crisis? Will he build houses and crack down on speculators?"

Little highlighted differences between English and new Finance Minister Steven Joyce, who both say tax-cuts are on the table ahead of next year's general election, and early contenders for the leadership, Police Minister Judith Collins and Health Minister Jonathan Coleman.

"Will he have the courage to listen to Judith Collins and agree to put more police on our streets to keep communities safe?" asked Little.

"How will he deal with Jonathan Coleman who wants health spending to be prioritized over tax cuts that he and new Finance Minister Steven Joyce favor?"

The Green Party also called on English to build more affordable homes, close tax loopholes for property speculators, and end homelessness.

"Bill English needs to make fixing the housing crisis a top priority and he should start by committing his government to building tens of thousands of affordable homes," Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei said in a statement.

"I think Bill English knows that one of the most effective ways to fix the broken housing market and address property speculation would be a capital gains tax (excluding the family home) -- he just hasn't had the guts to follow through with implementing it."

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has repeatedly warned that the overheated housing market poses a threat to the country's financial stability and has implemented lending controls, but these have had minimal impact in curbing prices. Endit