Surprise in Dublin: Prime Minister Varadkar will again be without older girls when schools start in Afghanistan

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has surprisingly announced his resignation. In an emotional statement in Dublin on Wednesday, the Liberal-Conservative politician cited “both personal and political reasons.”

The 45-year-old wants to lead the EU country on an interim basis until a successor is chosen after the Easter holidays. Candidates include Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe and Trade Minister Simon Coveney. Varadkar resigned as chairman of his Fine Gael party with immediate effect.

The move shortly after St. Patrick’s Day and the accompanying traditional trip to Washington to see Irish-born US President Joe Biden surprised not only Varadkar’s coalition partners.

However, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Michéal Martin of the liberal-conservative Fianna Fail party emphasized that the coalition, which still includes the Greens, was not in danger. The outgoing Varadkar also appeared surprised during his brief speech at Government House, where he was flanked by several party members, as broadcaster RTÉ noted: “I am confident that the re-election of this three-party government is the right thing for our future of the country “, said the outgoing Prime Minister, as the office is officially called in Irish. The next parliamentary elections must take place no later than early spring 2025.

“After careful consideration and some reflection, I believe a new Prime Minister will be better placed to achieve this than I am. After seven years in office, I think I am no longer the right person for it.”

Defeat in referendums

The government recently suffered a crushing defeat in two referendums. Against their recommendation, a majority voted against constitutional amendments that would change outdated and sexist language. The definition of family should be expanded to explicitly include unmarried couples.

Moreover, expressions such as ‘domestic duties’ of women should be replaced. Critics blamed the government’s chaotic approach for the failure.

Goal: Keep Sinn Fein out of government

Varadkar has shaped Irish politics in recent years. The son of an Indian father and an Irish mother often caused offense with his unconventional style; the openly gay politician did not shy away from clear words and repeatedly made mistakes.

But according to commentators, his modern government also ensured that the strict Catholic society was further opened up. He said in his resignation announcement that he was proud to have helped make Ireland more modern and equal.

Varadkar already had government experience as transport and health ministers when he was elected party leader in 2017 and became prime minister for the first time. After the 2020 general election, his Fine Gael agreed to share office with Martin’s Fianna Fail – the new Taoiseach Martin was replaced by Varadkar as planned in late 2022 and took over his position as Foreign Secretary.

The aim of the two parties is to keep the left-wing Sinn Fein party, which advocates immediate reunification with Northern Ireland and was once considered the political wing of the IRA terrorist militia, out of government. Sinn Fein is now the strongest political force in both parts of Ireland. “There is never a good time to resign,” Varadkar said. Now, however, it is better than normal: “The budget for 2024 is ready, negotiations on the next one have not yet started.” The political situation has also calmed down in Northern Ireland and relations with the important neighbor Great Britain are good and stable again after Brexit, Varadkar said.

He also indicated that he was exhausted at the office. He recommends a political career to everyone. “However, politicians are human and we have our limits. We give everything until we can’t anymore, and then we have to do something else,” Varadkar said.

He emphasized that he does not yet have a plan for the future. According to reports, Varadkar could speculate on a position in the European Commission after the European elections in June. (lacquer/sda/dpa)