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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Monday that he will resign as leader of Canada’s ruling Liberal Party, setting the stage for a leadership race to determine his successor.
“I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide competitive process,” Trudeau said in Ottawa. The Liberal Party president has been tasked with initiating the leadership contest.
Mounting Challenges and Internal Pressure
Trudeau’s decision comes amid mounting calls for his resignation from within his own party. The Liberals are trailing the opposition Conservative Party in polls, while his administration faces criticism over inflation and political instability.
The resignation of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland last month marked a significant blow to Trudeau’s leadership. Freeland quit unexpectedly, citing disagreements over Trudeau’s approach to President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian imports.
“For the past number of weeks, you and I have found ourselves at odds about the best path forward for Canada,” Freeland said in her resignation letter, noting that the country could “ill afford” the economic consequences of U.S. tariff threats.
Trudeau’s Legacy
Trudeau, who swept to power in 2015 with promises to champion the middle class and progressive policies, has governed for nine years. Under his leadership, the Liberal government:
- Reduced taxes for the middle class.
- Increased benefits for families.
- Pushed for environmental initiatives, including carbon pricing.
However, recent years have seen his popularity decline due to inflation and political missteps. A recent Angus Reid poll showed support for the Liberals at an all-time low of 16%, with elections due by late October.
Challenges with Trump Administration
Trudeau’s handling of relations with President-elect Donald Trump has also drawn criticism. After Trump announced plans for sweeping tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods, Trudeau visited him at Mar-a-Lago. The meeting was poorly received domestically, as Trudeau later posted on X: “Thanks for dinner last night, President Trump. I look forward to the work we can do together, again.”
Trump, meanwhile, took to mocking Trudeau and Canada, referring to him as the “governor” of the “Great State of Canada” and suggesting making Canada the 51st U.S. state.
Leadership Race Ahead
The Liberal Party holds 153 of 338 seats in the House of Commons and faces a challenging path forward. Trudeau’s resignation will likely ignite a fierce leadership battle as the party seeks to rebuild its standing with Canadians.
“This is a pivotal moment for the Liberal Party and for Canada,” Trudeau said. “It has been an honor to serve, and I look forward to seeing new leadership chart a course for the future.”
