Canadian PM Justin Trudeau Announces Resignation Amid Political Challenges

Ottawa – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation as leader of the ruling Liberal Party, marking the end of his nearly decade-long tenure. During a press conference in Ottawa on Monday, Trudeau, 53, confirmed his decision to step down, stating, “I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its new leader.”

Trudeau’s resignation comes in the wake of growing internal battles and declining poll numbers, which have made it clear to him that he can no longer be the best candidate for the upcoming elections. “This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election,” he explained. However, Trudeau will remain in office as a caretaker prime minister until a new leader is chosen.

In a move to facilitate a smooth leadership transition, Trudeau also revealed that Canada’s parliament would be suspended until March 24, 2025. He stated that parliament had been “paralyzed for months after what has been the longest session of a minority parliament in Canadian history.” The decision to prorogue parliament was made after discussions with the Governor General, who granted the request.

Trudeau, who has led the Liberal Party since 2013 and served as prime minister since 2015, reflected on his time in office, expressing regret over his inability to implement electoral reforms. “If I have one regret, particularly as we approach this election… I do wish we’d been able to change the way we elect our governments,” he said, lamenting the failure to allow voters to select second and third choices on the same ballot.

Trudeau’s decision to step down follows significant pressure from within his party, especially after Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s resignation in December due to disagreements on policy, particularly over handling potential US tariffs under the incoming administration of Donald Trump.

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With the Liberals trailing behind the opposition Conservatives in opinion polls, Trudeau’s resignation sets the stage for the party to appoint an interim leader and hold a special leadership convention ahead of the elections expected in late October 2025.