Resigned from office

Irish head of government Leo Varadkar resigns

The Irish head of government Leo Varadkar resigns from office.(Bild: Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

The Irish head of government Leo Varadkar has unexpectedly resigned from office. The 45-year-old is also stepping down as leader of the important Fine Gael party. 

In Ireland, the head of government is traditionally known as the "Taoiseach", but now the post has unexpectedly become vacant, according to BBC media reports.

Ministers Paschal Donohoe and Simon Coveney are being discussed as successor candidates. It is assumed that an early general election will not be necessary.

On the occasion of Ireland's St. Patrick's Day, Varadkar made the traditional trip to the USA last week and met with President Joe Biden.