What Would Have Happened to New Zealand if a PM Like Donald Trump Was Elected?

The suggestion that Donald Trump could have been New Zealand's Prime Minister is both absurd and farcical. To begin with, he is not a New Zealand citizen, rendering the idea immediately implausible. However, even if such an anomaly were to occur, New Zealand's political system and public sentiment would ensure that the situation would unfold quite differently from what many might imagine.

The National Context and Political Exclusion

The pursuit of a high-ranking political office such as that of the Prime Minister involves a series of elaborate and rigorous steps. A simple ballot would not suffice; one would need to navigate through the political party hierarchy and public scrutiny. Here is the typical pathway one would follow:

Party Member: A member of the political party. Candidate for Nomination: A candidate who seeks the party's nomination to run for office. Party Nominee to be MP (Member of Parliament): Once the party nominates an individual, they must secure a position in the Parliament as a Member of Parliament. MP (Member of Parliament): Being elected to the Parliament is a critical step. Minister or Shadow Minister: An MP who becomes a Minister or Shadow Minister within the government or opposition. Leader of the Political Party: The leader who goes on to become the Prime Minister. Prime Minister: The ultimate destination, assuming all the above steps are passed successfully, although with minimal success rate for Republicans aiming for such positions in a parliamentary democracy.

Donald Trump would struggle to advance beyond step two, particularly in a parliamentary democracy like New Zealand. His behavior, which has often been characterized by contemptuous treatment, would alienate him from achieving even the sophomore stage. New Zealanders and the media would mock him, with cartoonists frequently depicting him in nappies (diapers) having tantrums.

Disqualification and Public Sentiment

His eligibility would be further mired by the requirement of being a citizen. In the spirit of democratic processes and the rule of law, even if he were somehow to become a citizen, his behavior and controversial statements would make him unappealing to the electorate. The public sentiment against Trump is widespread, with most New Zealanders despising his approach to politics. This would render him an unwelcome presence or even a figure of ridicule.

Additionally, parties would be least likely to support a candidate who represents such a controversial figure. Even if he managed to make it to the stage of party nomination, his controversial statements and actions would likely lead to his immediate demise in any political arena, ensuring that he would never reach the zenith of power.

The Path Forward for New Zealand

Given the current trajectory of New Zealand, a political landscape without a leader akin to Donald Trump would likely lead to a steady and stable nation. The criticism often directed at democratic governance, such as the notion that "my way or the highway," would subside, fostering a stronger sense of law and order. This would be reminiscent of what has occurred in the United States post-Trump era, where the country has shown resilience and recovery despite initial turmoil.

Amidst such reflection, it is worth noting that democracies thrive on challenges and the continuous process of checks and balances. New Zealand's robust legal and democratic processes would ensure that any individual, no matter their pedigree or persona, would face significant hurdles to achieve the highest office. Therefore, despite the hypothetical scenario, New Zealand stands poised to move forward, encouraged by the current trajectory and the hope of a more united and forward-thinking society.