Luxon Confronts Leadership Crisis Amid Election Uncertainty

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon faces intensified leadership scrutiny as National Party support weakens ahead of the November 7 election.

Luxon called an urgent meeting with party lawmakers in Wellington to address speculation about his leadership, citing increased media and internal reports on his position.

The prime minister's personal popularity has declined after a series of public missteps, including comments on a possible referendum on the country's electoral system made without consulting party colleagues.

National's support has weakened due to sluggish economic growth, with unemployment at an 11-year high and inflation above the central bank target of 1% to 3%.