The World's 50 Greatest Leaders

Rank
22
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Leo Varadkar

WGL.23.Leo-Varadkar
Leo Varadkar, Ireland's prime minister, listens during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, not pictured, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Thursday, March 12, 2020. Trump said he doesn't support House Democrats' package of measures to respond to the coronavirus in its current form, as his treasury secretary is negotiating changes with Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesAl Drago—Bloomberg/Getty Images
  • Title
    Prime Minister
  • Affiliation
    Ireland

Closing out his term in the midst of the crisis—his party lost in February’s election—Varadkar has tackled the situation with aplomb, canceling Saint Patrick’s Day festivities and closing schools, pubs, and other establishments without hesitation. But what has really impressed is his willingness to put himself on the front lines: A doctor by training, Varadkar is now working half a day per week assessing patients for the virus.