Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party on Monday, though he will remain in office until a successor is chosen. Addressing the nation in a press conference, Trudeau stated his intention to step down after the party selects a new leader through a nationwide process. He cited the need for a clear choice for Canadians in the next election, arguing that internal party battles hindered his ability to effectively lead the country.
This announcement followed Sunday reports in the *Globe and Mail* suggesting Trudeau’s imminent departure. These reports were later confirmed by Reuters, citing an anonymous source familiar with the Prime Minister’s thinking. The *Globe and Mail* reported that a decision was expected before a national caucus meeting scheduled for Wednesday. This timing is significant, given recent polls indicating declining public support for Trudeau (with approval ratings at only 22%) and projections that the Liberal Party would likely lose to Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives in the next election, mandated by October. The resignation opens the door for a snap election or a potential no-confidence vote leading to the government’s collapse. Furthermore, at least two dozen Liberal MPs had publicly called for Trudeau’s resignation. The identity of his replacement remains uncertain.
Trudeau’s tenure has faced increased scrutiny since December, stemming from a conflict with then-Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. Following disagreements over spending proposals and a strategy to address potential US tariffs, Freeland resigned, accusing Trudeau in her resignation letter of employing “political gimmicks.” This incident, along with the broader decline in public approval, likely contributed to the pressure leading to his decision to step down as party leader.