Leo Varadkar, the Prime Minister of Ireland and leader of the Fine Gael party, has announced his resignation from both roles, citing political reasons. Varadkar, who first took office in 2017, has been a prominent figure in Irish politics, leading campaigns to legalize same-sex marriage and repeal a ban on abortion.
In a statement, Varadkar did not provide specific details about his decision to step down, but he has called for a new leader of the party to be chosen on April 6. This will allow for a new prime minister to be elected after parliament’s Easter break. Varadkar’s resignation comes amidst discontent within Fine Gael, with ten lawmakers announcing they will not run for re-election.
Despite his efforts on social issues, recent referendums on constitutional amendments supported by Varadkar were resoundingly defeated, adding to the challenges he faced as leader. Additionally, Varadkar recently returned from Washington, where he met with President Joe Biden during his St Patrick’s Day visit to the United States.
The next election in Ireland must be called by early 2025, setting the stage for a new era in Irish politics without Varadkar at the helm. As the country prepares to choose a new leader, Varadkar’s resignation marks the end of an era for Fine Gael and sets the stage for a new chapter in Irish governance.
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