On Monday, Justin Trudeau announced his decision to step down as Canada’s prime minister and leader of the Liberal Party, citing a crisis within his government and poor polling numbers.
He also suspended parliamentary activities, stating he will continue to lead the country until a successor is chosen.
In a speech, Trudeau described himself as a “fighter” but admitted that he was no longer the best candidate to lead his party to victory in the next election.
He emphasized that Canadians deserved “a real choice” at the ballot box. Addressing the internal strife within his government, Trudeau acknowledged that the ongoing challenges had made it clear he could not effectively serve as prime minister.
According to The Globe and Mail, Trudeau considered announcing his resignation ahead of a scheduled party caucus meeting on Wednesday.
While details remain uncertain, reports suggest he may stay on temporarily or step down immediately.
Trudeau’s decision comes in the wake of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s unexpected resignation, which highlighted divisions within his cabinet.
Although he praised Freeland in his address, Trudeau declined to disclose specifics about their discussions.
Freeland’s departure was reportedly tied to disagreements over how to respond to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canadian goods.
The resignation has fueled calls for Trudeau to step aside, with some of his MPs publicly urging him to leave.
Recent polling indicates a sharp decline in his popularity, with only 26% of Canadians preferring him as prime minister, significantly trailing his Conservative rival.
Analysts predict his departure could trigger demands for a snap election ahead of the scheduled October vote.
Trudeau first became prime minister in 2015, leading the Liberal Party from obscurity to a majority government with promises of progressive policies, including open immigration, climate change action, and higher taxes on the wealthy.
However, his leadership has faced numerous challenges, from political scandals to public backlash over rising living costs.
During his nine-year tenure—the longest among current G7 leaders—Trudeau’s government endured controversies, including the resignation of Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould and a 2019 blackface scandal.
Despite these hurdles, Trudeau retained power but struggled to sustain public approval.
Trudeau’s successor will inherit a challenging economic landscape, including Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports.
Economists warn these measures could have severe repercussions for Canada’s economy.
As Canada prepares for new leadership, Trudeau’s resignation marks the end of an era, leaving a legacy shaped by both triumphs and turbulence.