Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation, stating he will step down as leader of the Liberal Party, which he has helmed since 2013. The 53-year-old made the announcement amid increasing pressure from his MPs and declining opinion poll ratings.
In a press conference outside his residence at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, Trudeau cited “internal battles” within the party, expressing that he “cannot be the best option” for the next election. He also confirmed that Parliament would be suspended until March due to ongoing political deadlock.
“I don’t easily back down from a fight, especially one important for our party and country,” Trudeau remarked, adding that he values the interests of Canadians and the health of democracy. “A new prime minister and leader of the Liberal Party will carry its values and ideals into the next election. I am excited to see that process unfold in the months ahead.”
Former Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, is among the front-runners to succeed him, along with Chrystia Freeland, who recently resigned as finance minister and deputy prime minister. Other potential candidates include former British Columbia Premier Christy Clark, current Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, and Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly.
Trudeau has faced calls to resign from within his party as discontent grew over issues such as rising food and housing costs and increased immigration. His government came under further scrutiny after Freeland’s resignation in December over policy disagreements, particularly regarding how to address potential U.S. tariffs under Donald Trump’s incoming administration.
With Trudeau’s departure, the Liberal Party must now appoint an interim leader to serve as prime minister until a special leadership convention is held. Trudeau’s tenure began ten years ago after a decade of Conservative leadership, during which he was initially lauded for restoring Canada’s liberal values. However, he has become increasingly unpopular in recent years.
The political upheaval comes at a challenging time for Canada on the international stage.
Credit: Sky News
