Indian-Origin Leo Varadkar Re-Elected As Ireland Prime Minister; PM Modi Congratulates

Ireland: Ireland’s Leo Varadkar on Saturday took over as premier for the second time in a handover of power in line with a coalition deal struck in 2020.

Varadkar replaced Micheal Martin as Taoiseach (premier) in a rotation between his Fine Gael and Martin’s Fianna Fail parties that is unprecedented in Irish history.

The centre-right parties, the two main political partners in a three-party governing coalition, were forged from opposing sides in the Irish Civil War in the early 20th century.

They agreed to the rotating premiership as part of a coalition with Ireland’s Greens following 2020 elections.

Varadkar, who is mixed race and openly gay, is stepping up from deputy premier.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated Indian-origin Leo Varadkar on assuming office as Ireland’s PM for the second term. In a tweet, Prime Minister Modi said that he values the historical ties, shared constitutional values, and multi-faceted cooperation between India and Ireland. “Congratulations @LeoVaradkar on assuming office as Taoiseach for the second time. Highly value our historical ties, shared constitutional values & multi-faceted cooperation with Ireland. Look forward to working together to realise the full potential of our vibrant economies. (sic),” his tweet read.