Indian-origin Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar announced on Wednesday that he will step down from his post before the general election.
"I am resigning as president and leader of Fine Gael effective today and will resign as the Taoiseach (prime minister) as soon as my successor is able to take up that office," news agency Reuters quoted Varadkar as he spoke to reporters gathered outside government buildings in Dublin.
The Irish leader said that the "reasons for stepping down are both personal and political", also adding that he has "no personal or political plans lined up".
Varadkar, who came to power in 2017, was Ireland's youngest Prime Minister (Taoiseach). Varadkar, announcing his resignation plans, stated that his tenure heading the nation was "the most satisfying period of my life."
However, Varadkar's resignation as the head of the three-party coalition does not automatically warrant a general election. He could be replaced by a new Fine Gael leader.
