Throughout the world; leadership is often the preserve of the old. The youngest prime ministers in the world are some of the energetic young minds who have been handed the mantle of leadership in their countries because they have shown uncommon capacity and vision.
Countries are keener on handing young people the privilege of serving as prime ministers than they are of handing over the title of President. Traditionally, prime ministers have always been younger than Presidents. This may be because in some countries the Prime Minister is appointed or selected by an individual, or a smaller group of people.
Young prime ministers have rarely given the public any reason to regret their selection; they often perform well. These are those who currently represent that category of politicians.
20 Youngest Prime Ministers In The World
1. Gabriel Attal – France
At age 35, Gabriel Attal became France’s youngest Prime Minister in 2024. A dynamic and openly gay leader, he rose quickly through the ranks with a focus on youth engagement, education reform, and digital modernization. His appointment marked a generational shift in French politics, bringing charisma and clarity to domestic policy. Attal’s leadership style blends progressive ideals with pragmatic governance, making him a standout figure in European politics.
2. Paetongtarn Shinawatra – Thailand
Paetongtarn Shinawatra assumed office in 2023 at age 38, continuing the legacy of Thailand’s influential Shinawatra family. Her leadership emphasizes digital transformation, youth empowerment, and economic revitalization. As one of Asia’s youngest heads of government, she brings a fresh perspective to Thai politics, balancing tradition with innovation. Her policies aim to modernize infrastructure and expand access to education and technology for younger generations.
3. Kristrún Frostadóttir – Iceland
Kristrún Frostadóttir became Iceland’s Prime Minister in 2023 at age 38. An economist by training, she champions climate action, gender equality, and fiscal responsibility. Her technocratic approach appeals to younger voters and professionals seeking data-driven governance. Frostadóttir’s leadership reflects Iceland’s progressive values, and she’s widely praised for her transparency and commitment to sustainability in both domestic and international policy.
4. Simon Harris – Ireland
Simon Harris took office in 2024 at age 39, becoming Ireland’s youngest Taoiseach. Known for his prior work as Minister for Health, Harris focuses on healthcare reform, mental health advocacy, and education. His approachable style and digital fluency resonate with younger voters. Harris represents a generational shift in Irish leadership, emphasizing inclusion, innovation, and pragmatic policymaking in a rapidly changing Europe.
5. Dritan Abazović – Montenegro
Dritan Abazović became Montenegro’s Prime Minister in 2022 at age 40. A political scientist and anti-corruption advocate, he leads with a focus on transparency, EU integration, and institutional reform. His youthful energy and academic background bring credibility to his governance. Abazović is reshaping Montenegro’s political landscape by promoting civic engagement and reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies.
6. Xavier Espot Zamora – Andorra
Xavier Espot Zamora assumed office in 2019 at age 42. As Prime Minister of Andorra, he focuses on tourism development, digital transformation, and economic diversification. His leadership blends modern policy with the principality’s unique traditions. Espot’s pragmatic style and commitment to innovation have helped position Andorra as a forward-thinking microstate in Europe.
7. Abiy Ahmed – Ethiopia
Abiy Ahmed became Prime Minister of Ethiopia in 2018 at age 42 and is now 48. A Nobel Peace Prize laureate, he’s known for his ambitious reforms in infrastructure, technology, and national unity. His leadership has been transformative, though complex, navigating ethnic tensions and regional diplomacy. Abiy’s youth at inauguration brought hope for modernization and reconciliation across Ethiopia.
8. Mette Frederiksen – Denmark
Mette Frederiksen took office in 2019 at age 41 and is now 48. As Denmark’s youngest-ever Prime Minister, she leads with a focus on welfare, climate policy, and immigration reform. Her pragmatic and sometimes tough stance has earned both praise and criticism. Frederiksen’s leadership reflects Denmark’s progressive yet cautious approach to global challenges.
9. Nikol Pashinyan – Armenia
Nikol Pashinyan became Prime Minister in 2018 at age 43 and is now 50. A former journalist and opposition leader, he rose to power through peaceful protest. His administration focuses on anti-corruption, democratic reform, and regional stability. Pashinyan’s youth at inauguration symbolized a break from Armenia’s political past and a move toward transparency and civic participation.
10. Andrew Holness – Jamaica
Andrew Holness assumed office in 2016 at age 43 and is now 53. As Jamaica’s youngest Prime Minister since independence, he emphasizes education, infrastructure, and economic growth. Holness’s leadership combines conservative fiscal policy with progressive social initiatives. His tenure reflects a commitment to modernization and regional leadership in the Caribbean.
11. Pedro Sánchez – Spain
Pedro Sánchez became Spain’s Prime Minister in 2018 at age 46 and is now 53. A socialist leader, he focuses on social reform, climate action, and EU engagement. Sánchez’s youth at inauguration brought renewed energy to Spanish politics, and his coalition-building skills have helped navigate complex parliamentary dynamics. He remains a central figure in European governance.
12. James Marape – Papua New Guinea
James Marape took office in 2019 at age 48 and is now 54. His leadership centers on resource nationalism, anti-corruption, and indigenous empowerment. Marape’s youth at inauguration marked a shift toward more assertive domestic policy. He aims to make Papua New Guinea more self-reliant and transparent in its governance.
13. Andrej Plenković – Croatia
Andrej Plenković became Prime Minister in 2016 at age 46 and is now 55. A seasoned diplomat, he focuses on EU integration, economic reform, and regional stability. His leadership reflects Croatia’s post-accession priorities, and his youth at inauguration brought a modern, internationalist tone to domestic politics.
14. Moustafa Madbouly – Egypt
Moustafa Madbouly assumed office in 2018 at age 51 and is now 58. An urban planner by profession, he leads Egypt’s infrastructure boom, including new cities and transport networks. His technocratic style emphasizes modernization and economic development. Madbouly’s relatively young age at inauguration signaled a shift toward policy-driven governance.
15. Mia Mottley – Barbados
Mia Mottley became Prime Minister in 2018 at age 52 and is now 60. A trailblazer in Caribbean politics, she’s known for her climate advocacy, education reform, and global diplomacy. Mottley’s youth at inauguration brought bold leadership and international recognition, especially for her role in championing small island states at global forums.
16. Christian Ntsay – Madagascar
Christian Ntsay took office in 2018 at age 54 and is now 61. An economist and technocrat, he focuses on governance reform, poverty reduction, and infrastructure. Ntsay’s appointment brought stability during political transition, and his leadership emphasizes institutional efficiency and international cooperation.
17. Ulisses Correia e Silva – Cape Verde
Ulisses Correia e Silva assumed office in 2016 at age 54 and is now 63. His leadership centers on renewable energy, good governance, and economic diversification. Correia e Silva’s youth at inauguration helped energize Cape Verde’s development agenda, positioning the island nation as a model of democratic stability in Africa.
18. Abdulla Aripov – Uzbekistan
Abdulla Aripov became Prime Minister in 2016 at age 55 and is now 64. A longtime government official, he focuses on digital governance, infrastructure, and modernization. Aripov’s leadership reflects Uzbekistan’s gradual shift toward openness and reform, with emphasis on technology and administrative efficiency.
19. Ali Asadov – Azerbaijan
Ali Asadov took office in 2019 at age 62 and is now 68. A close ally of President Ilham Aliyev, he leads with a focus on economic policy and regional diplomacy. His technocratic background supports Azerbaijan’s strategic development goals. Asadov’s appointment marked continuity in governance with a tilt toward modernization.
20. Joseph Ngute – Cameroon
Joseph Ngute became Prime Minister in 2019 at age 66 and is now 71. A legal scholar and diplomat, he focuses on education, stability, and national unity. Ngute’s leadership aims to address internal conflict and promote inclusive development. His tenure reflects Cameroon’s complex political landscape and efforts toward reform.
Final Thoughts
The rise of young leaders across the globe signals a powerful shift in political culture—one that values innovation, inclusivity, and future-focused governance. These prime ministers, many under 40, are reshaping national agendas with bold ideas and fresh energy. Whether tackling climate change, digital transformation, or social reform, they reflect a generation ready to lead with vision and urgency. As the world evolves, so too does its leadership—and these individuals are at the forefront of that change.