Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris has announced plans to call a general election this week, setting the stage for a likely polling date at the end of November.
This move follows speculation that intensified after a significant €10.5bn budget package was unveiled last month, hinting that the country was heading toward an election.
Harris is expected to dissolve the Dáil, Ireland’s parliament, either on Thursday before departing for a European leaders’ summit in Budapest or on Friday upon his return.
The timing aligns with the government’s recent budget measures, designed to ease financial pressures on citizens, and adds momentum to a short election campaign period.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Harris confirmed his intentions, saying, “I do intend to seek a dissolution of the Dáil this week. I don’t think that will come as a shock to anyone across the country.”
Under Irish election rules, a minimum 18-day notice period is required, making for a fast-paced campaign cycle in the lead-up to the likely late November election date.
Harris had initially announced two weeks ago that he intended to hold an election before year’s end rather than wait until February, when the government’s five-year term would officially conclude.