JNS: Indian-origin Leo Varadkar has returned for a second term as Ireland’s Prime Minister as part of a job-sharing deal by the country’s centrist coalition government.
According to the media reports, Varadkar was elected as Taoiseach by a margin of 87 votes in favour to 62 votes against and one abstention. Lawmakers voted to approve Varadkar’s nomination to replace Micheál Martin during a special session of the Dail, the lower house of Ireland’s parliament. His appointment was confirmed when he received the seal of office from President Michael D. Higgins, Ireland’s head of state.
In his first term, Varadkar was the Prime Minister from 2017 to 2020.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Varadkar on assuming office as Ireland’s Prime Minister for the second time. He tweeted, “Highly values the historical ties, shared constitutional values and multi-faceted cooperation between India and Ireland. He looks forward to working together to realise the full potential of our vibrant economies.”
