Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party, bringing an end to nearly a decade in power. In a news conference, Trudeau cited “internal battles” within his party and said they have left him unable to be the “best option” in a future election.
Trudeau, who has served as prime minister since 2015, will remain in the role until a new leader is chosen. An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the Liberal Party may delay Parliament’s return to allow time for the leadership transition.
When first elected, Trudeau was celebrated for returning Canada to its liberal roots and positioning the country as a global leader in progressive policies. However, recent years have seen his popularity wane amid economic and political challenges, including rising inflation and strained international relations.
Further complicating matters is President-elect Donald Trump’s recent threat to impose a 25 percent tariff on all Canadian products unless the country reduces what Trump claims is a flow of migrants and drugs into the United States. Despite evidence showing that far fewer migrants and drugs cross into the U.S. from Canada compared to Mexico, the demand has ignited a potential trade and diplomatic standoff between the two nations.
“His long silence following this political drama speaks volumes about the weakness of his current position,” said Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal.
