Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation as Prime Minister of Canada, bringing an end to his tenure after nearly a decade in office. The announcement, made on Monday, 6 January 2025, comes amidst growing internal tensions within his Liberal Party and declining public approval.
In a press conference outside his official residence at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, the 53-year-old leader stated: "Our country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I am having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best choice in that election."
Trudeau has requested Governor-General Mary Simon to prorogue Parliament until 24 March, allowing the Liberal Party time to organise the selection of a new leader. He will remain in office as prime minister until his successor is chosen.
The decision follows a period of declining public and party support for Trudeau’s leadership. Recent months have been marked by economic concerns, including inflation and fiscal uncertainty, as well as the resignation of key members of his cabinet. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland stepped down last month, citing irreconcilable policy differences.
Freeland, in her resignation statement, criticised what she referred to as "political gimmicks" and stated that Canada could "ill afford" such measures in challenging economic times.
Trudeau’s resignation sets the stage for a competitive leadership race within the Liberal Party. Potential successors include Chrystia Freeland, former Bank of England governor Mark Carney, and current Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc. Meanwhile, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre has called for early elections, although a general election is not scheduled until 20 October 2025.
Image: Broadbent Institute/Flickr
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