PM Albanese sledged over proposal amid cost of living crisis

The Prime Minister has been slammed over plans to wed his years-long partner despite a cost of living crisis.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has copped criticism online after announcing his engagement to partner Jodie Haydon amid a cost of living crisis.

The PM took to Twitter on Thursday morning to announce his engagement to his years-long partner, writing “she said yes” under a photo of the pair.

While the announcement, shortly after Valentines Day, was welcomed by political leaders, pundits online took issue with the PM’s surprise reveal.

“It’s great that I can’t afford to live but my tax dollars paid for that ring,” X user Windsor Beaver wrote, with a middle finger emoji.

One user wrote under the post “Fix the economy and this country”, while another stated: “Does it make my energy bills cheaper?”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been sledged over proposal to Jodie Haydon amid cost of living crisis. Picture; Twitter

“Great, another distraction to preoccupy the media and prevent you from doing a damn job,” said another.

The reveal comes as the government continues to face pressure over rising cost of living, as well as criticism of its policy in the Middle East.

The government has faced weekly protests since the outbreak of war in Gaza on October 7, with protesters calling on the government to demand a ceasefire.

It’s great that I can’t afford to live but my tax dollars paid for that ring.

🖕🏼

— Windsor Beaver (@WindsorBeaver) February 14, 2024

“They can’t have weddings in Gaza at the moment because you are helping murder women and children. Loser. Fraud. Coward. Evil,” Serkan Ozturk said on social media.

Another user wrote: “War crim wedding, can’t wait for the New Idea exclusive”.

Others pointed out the already large cost to taxpayers because of their political leaders.

Mr Albanese has faced weekly pro-Palestine protests. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“Well, you’ve been paying for Barnaby’s drinks for a few decades. I imagine that’s quite the bill,” wrote one user.

The couple were revealed to have first met at a business conference in 2020, but have largely shunned public attention to their relationship.

Ms Haydon, born in Bankstown, accompanied the then-PM hopeful on the campaign trail in 2022, and has since been seen with him on overseas trips.

The reveal was welcomed by Labor leaders, including Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong who wrote: “Love is a beautiful thing. I’m so happy for you both.”

Victorian labor MP Pater Khalil welcomed the news, writing: “Jodie is a lovely person, and you’re both very lucky to have each other. You outdid us all on Valentine’s Day.”

Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young also welcomed the “lovely news”, stating: “Love in the Lodge, how wonderful”.

The news was also welcomed outside of politics, with famed chef Nigella Lawson writing: “Congratulations to you both”.

The Japanese Embassy in Australia also wrote: “Congratulations Prime Minister and Ms Haydon”.

Originally published as PM Albanese sledged over proposal amid cost of living crisis