Ireland’s Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has shocked the nation by announcing his resignation, citing a combination of personal and political reasons, with a focus on the latter.
Standing alongside his colleagues outside government buildings in Dublin on Wednesday, Varadkar expressed his belief that he was no longer the most suitable person for the role. He confirmed his intention to continue serving as prime minister until a successor is elected, with the process expected to take place after parliament resumes from recess next month.
Varadkar assumed office as prime minister in 2017 after being elected leader of the Fine Gael party, making history as Ireland’s youngest premier and the country’s first openly gay leader.
“I am resigning as president [of the party] and leader of Fine Gael effective today, and will resign as taoiseach [Irish prime minister] as soon as my successor is able to take up that office,” Varadkar announced.
While acknowledging that his decision may come as a surprise to many and disappoint some, Varadkar emphasized that it was made with the best interests of the nation at heart.
Deputy Prime Minister Micheál Martin, who leads the coalition partner Fianna Fáil, acknowledged Varadkar’s right to make such a decision but described it as an unprecedented development.
