Dr Oliver Hartwich: Like Ardern, Angela Merkel was adored overseas, but hopeless at home

From my native Germany to my adopted home of New Zealand, I have observed a curious phenomenon in modern politics: political leaders who enjoy far greater esteem internationally than they do closer to home.

Jacinda Ardern was one such politician. She was celebrated in newspapers like The Guardian and The New York Times as some modern-day superstar. In reality, she was a mediocre Prime Minister.