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Canadian PM Justin Trudeau Resigns Amid Growing Political Turmoil
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on Monday, citing mounting dissatisfaction with his leadership and escalating internal discord within his party. The decision follows the sudden resignation of his finance minister, which underscored deep fractures within the Liberal government.
“I don’t easily back down faced with a fight, especially a very important one for our party and the country. But I do this job because the interests of Canadians and the well being of democracy is something that I hold dear,” he said at the announcement outside his official residence.
He said Parliament, which had been due to resume Jan. 27, would be suspended until March 24. The timing will allow for a Liberal Party leadership race.
Opposition parties have already expressed their intent to table a no-confidence motion when Parliament reconvenes, making a spring election following the leadership race a near certainty.
“The Liberal Party of Canada is an important institution in the history of our great country and democracy. A new prime minister and leader of the Liberal Party will carry its values and ideals into that next election,” Mr. Trudeau said. “I am excited to see that process unfold in the months ahead.”
A visibly emotional Trudeau acknowledged that the ongoing internal conflicts had rendered him unable to effectively steer the party through the next elections. He pledged to remain in office until the Liberal Party elects a new leader.
Trudeau, who ascended to power in 2015 after a decade of Conservative rule, was initially celebrated for restoring Canada’s progressive legacy. However, his standing with voters has eroded in recent years due to surging housing costs, inflationary pressures, and contentious immigration policies.
His resignation also comes at a precarious juncture for Canada on the international stage. As a major supplier of oil, natural gas, steel, aluminum, and automobiles to the U.S., Canada’s economic interests are deeply intertwined with its southern neighbor.
