New Delhi: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that he intends to resign as prime minister and leader of the Liberal Party, after the party selects a new leader through a “robust, nationwide competitive process.”
“It has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option” in the next election, Trudeau said at a press conference.
Trudeau’s decision comes amid mounting pressure from within his own party and declining public opinion polls. At least two dozen Liberal MPs and several regional caucuses have called for his resignation since before the holiday break.
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The Canadian prime minister’s political future was further complicated when Chrystia Freeland, his finance minister and deputy prime minister, resigned last month. Freeland cited Trudeau’s handling of the economy and his approach to addressing the US tariffs threat as reasons for her resignation.
The Conservative Party, which has been leading in the polls for over a year, has promised to move a motion of non-confidence in the Liberal government. This could lead to a vote in the House of Commons as early as January 30.
The development has significant implications for Canadian politics, particularly with the upcoming election scheduled to take place by late October.
