Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, the country’s first openly gay and biracial leader, has announced his resignation as head of the center-right Fine Gael party and as prime minister, citing personal and political reasons, Associated Press reports.
Varadkar, 45, served two terms as prime minister and played a significant role in legalizing same-sex marriage and repealing the ban on abortion. He led Ireland during the aftermath of Brexit, with his tenure marked by strained UK-Ireland relations. He will step down as prime minister in April after a party leadership contest but plans to remain in parliament as a lawmaker.
Despite recent reports of discontent within Fine Gael and two referendum defeats on constitutional amendments, Varadkar’s resignation was unexpected. However, his departure is not expected to trigger an early election, and the coalition government will continue.
