Researchers suggest mechanisms to remove impaired prime ministers from office

Otago Daily TimesNZ HeraldRNZStuffFriday 28 March 2025 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated

In this story New Zealand Medical Journal, Robert Muldoon

Photo: NZ Herald (opens in new tab)

A study published in the New Zealand Medical Journal suggests implementing processes to remove prime ministers when health issues impair their decision-making. Researchers examined four former leaders, including Robert Muldoon and Joseph Ward, noting that illness or other factors impacted their performance while in office.

How they headlined it

First reported by Otago Daily Times, Fri 28 Mar 2025, 4:30am · 4 reports from 4 outlets over 2 hours
  1. Otago Daily TimesOtago Daily Times

    Researchers want way to remove infirm PMs (opens in new tab)

  2. NZ HeraldNZ Herald

    New study suggests options to remove ‘impaired’ Prime Ministers from office (opens in new tab)

  3. RNZRNZ

    Study examines how health issues affected four former prime ministers' performance (opens in new tab)

  4. StuffStuff

    Does New Zealand need a process for removing impaired Prime Ministers? (opens in new tab)