Simon Harris assumed the role of Ireland’s Prime Minister on Tuesday, stepping into the position vacated by Leo Varadkar last month due to personal and political reasons.

The Irish parliament, by a vote of 88 to 69, endorsed Harris, 37, as the new “taoiseach,” a Gaelic term meaning “chieftain” or “leader.” He was formally inaugurated in a ceremony alongside President Michael D. Higgins, making him the youngest prime minister in the nation’s history.

Following an uncontested election within the Centre-right Fine Gael party, a component of the three-party governing coalition, Harris was chosen as its leader after Varadkar’s resignation announcement.

Accepting the nomination, Harris pledged to fulfill the trust placed in him by the parliament. He emphasized a commitment to lead with unity, collaboration, and respect, expressing his desire to infuse public service with fresh ideas, energy, and empathy.

Varadkar, who held the prime ministerial role twice and was one of Europe’s youngest leaders at 45, stated last month that he no longer felt he was the most suitable individual to lead the country. He expressed confidence in Harris’s ability to excel in the position, citing his empathy, energy, experience, campaigning skills, and political acumen.