Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Announces Resignation Amid Growing Internal Pressure and Declining Popularity.

Ottawa:

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that he will step down from his position after nine years in office, bowing to increasing pressure from within his own Liberal Party. In a press conference on Monday, Trudeau stated that he would remain in office until a new leader is chosen but confirmed that parliament would be prorogued until March 24, 2025.

Trudeau, who has faced declining popularity in recent years, explained that the internal struggles within his party had made it clear he could no longer be the best option for leading the country in the upcoming federal 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 said.

The resignation comes as the Liberal Party grapples with declining support, with the Conservatives holding a consistent two-digit lead in polls. The Liberals have also suffered losses in special elections, including key ridings in Toronto and Montreal, which have highlighted the party’s struggles ahead of the general election scheduled for October 2025.

Trudeau’s departure marks the end of the Trudeau era, as he is the son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, who dominated Canadian politics in the 1970s and ’80s. Justin Trudeau’s leadership saw significant progressive strides, including gender equality in his cabinet, Indigenous reconciliation efforts, and the legalization of recreational cannabis. However, his tenure was marred by controversies, including a corruption scandal and the infamous brownface photos that emerged in 2019.

By 2024, Trudeau’s approval rating had plummeted to just 22%, reflecting the mounting dissatisfaction with his government. With his resignation, the Liberal Party now faces the task of selecting a new leader, likely ahead of the 2025 election.