Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has made a surprise resignation, reported various Irish media and the British broadcaster BBC.
Varadkar has immediately stepped down as party leader, and will also resign as Prime Minister once the Fine Gael party has chosen his successor.
The 45-year-old leader cited both professional and political reasons for his departure. He announced his resignation a year ahead of the anticipated elections.
Varadkar served as leader since December 2022, having previously led the country from 2017 to 2020. He was then the youngest Prime Minister of Ireland.
"After seven years in office, I no longer feel the best person for these roles," said Varadkar. He added, "Politicians are human, and have their limits. We give everything until we can no longer do so, at which point we need to turn the page."
His departure follows the 8 March referendum on amending the constitution regarding gender equality and a broader view of family, in which the ‘no’ vote prevailed.
