Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his intention to resign after serving nearly nine years in office, stating that he will step down once a new leader is chosen by his party. Speaking at a news conference in Ottawa, the 53-year-old leader emphasized that his decision is motivated by the best interests of the country, acknowledging the challenges he faced, including a prolonged period of parliamentary gridlock. Trudeau expressed frustration that despite his efforts, parliament had been paralyzed for months, with the longest session in Canadian history under a minority government. Parliament will remain suspended until March 24 to allow time for the selection of a new leader.
Trudeau’s resignation comes amid a series of challenges for his government, including economic difficulties, internal party conflicts, and declining approval ratings. The upcoming general election, which must take place by October 20, is widely expected to result in a significant loss for his Liberal Party, which is trailing the Conservative Party in polls. Trudeau explained that he could not be the best candidate for the upcoming election if he was embroiled in internal party struggles.
He also critiqued the opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre, for his stance on key issues like climate change and diversity, stating that Poilievre’s views did not align with the values that Canada upholds. Trudeau’s government had already been rocked by the unexpected resignation of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, who criticized the prime minister for political gimmicks ahead of the election. These included tax holidays and worker rebates, which Freeland believed were unsustainable.
In addition to domestic turmoil, Trudeau’s administration faced external pressures, particularly from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened to impose tariffs on Canadian goods and has often criticized the prime minister on social media. Trudeau, who led the Liberals to power in 2015 with promises of progressive change, has seen his popularity wane in recent years due to rising economic dissatisfaction and a growing divide with the electorate. The resignation of key figures and Trudeau’s strained relationship with voters, highlighted by a viral incident with a steelworker, reflects the mounting discontent within the country.
