Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on Monday, saying he will step down once the ruling Liberal party selects a new leader after months of slumping polls and internal division.
“I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide competitive process,” Trudeau told reporters in Ottawa. He said he informed his children the previous evening.
Trudeau, in power since 2015, faced mounting pressure, worsened by the surprise December resignation of his former finance minister and deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland. In her letter, Freeland accused Trudeau of prioritising political gimmicks over stabilising Canada’s finances amid looming economic threats.
The Liberals are trailing in polls to the opposition Conservatives and narrowly survived three non-confidence votes last year. The NDP, which supported Trudeau’s minority government, has pledged to topple him at the next opportunity.
To buy time, Trudeau secured permission to prorogue parliament until March 24, giving the Liberals time to select a new leader and limiting the opposition’s chances for a confidence vote.
Speculation about Trudeau’s successor includes Freeland and former Bank of England governor Mark Carney. Political analysts warn the leadership race must move quickly to prepare for the next election.
Trudeau will lead Canada during the transition and handle the response to incoming U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened 25 percent tariffs on Canadian imports, a move that could severely impact Canada’s economy. Trudeau vowed to retaliate if the tariffs are enacted.
