Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on Monday, marking the end of his term as party leader once the Liberal Party chooses a successor. The move comes amid growing internal pressures, declining public opinion and deteriorating relations with his party’s key allies.
In front of Rideau Cottage, Trudeau explained his choice to step down after nearly a decade as prime minister, emphasizing the need for new leadership. “This country deserves a real choice in the next election,” he said, adding: “If I have to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in this election. »
Trudeau asked Governor General Mary Simon to prorogue Parliament until March 24, paving the way for a leadership race. He confirmed the Liberal Party president has been asked to begin a “national” process to identify his replacement, which will likely be a crucial step in preparing the party to take on Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre in the next federal election. .
Leadership reshuffle follows internal dissent
Trudeau’s resignation follows significant dissidence within the Liberal Party, with several MPs and regional caucuses calling for his departure. The situation worsened when former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned last month, citing differences over economic policy and Trudeau’s management style. Freeland’s departure was seen as a turning point in Trudeau’s leadership crisis.
Trudeau’s planned departure also adds uncertainty to Canada’s response to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian imports, a move that could have devastating economic implications.
The opposition responds
Conservative Leader Poilievre called Trudeau’s resignation superficial, accusing Liberal MPs of prioritizing political survival. “They want to protect their pensions and paychecks by sweeping their hated leader under the rug months before the election to deceive you,” Poilievre said in a statement, renewing his call for immediate elections.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, who ended his party’s agreement to support the minority Liberal government in September, urged Canadians to reject the Liberals altogether. “The problem doesn’t just come from Justin Trudeau. It is all the ministers who have taken the lead,” Singh said.
What’s next?
As the Liberals prepare for a leadership race, potential candidates including Freeland are expected to emerge. The next leader will face a dual challenge: stabilizing the party within the party and dealing with significant external pressures, including U.S. trade relations and growing domestic economic concerns.
This leadership transition will define the party’s ability to challenge the conservatives in what promises to be a highly competitive election cycle.
