Trudeau to resign as prime minister after nine years

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Monday that he would step down as Liberal Party leader and prime minister in the coming months, marking the end of a nine-year tenure. Trudeau cited internal divisions within his party and dismal polling results as factors in his decision, saying, "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."

Trudeau’s Departure and Implications
Trudeau will remain in office until the Liberal Party selects a new leader, a process expected to take several months. The parliament has been prorogued until March 24, effectively delaying any potential election until May at the earliest. Trudeau's resignation comes amid mounting pressure from his party, following the Liberal Party's poor performance in polls and internal criticism after the departure of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.

Freeland resigned after clashing with Trudeau over fiscal policies, accusing him of prioritizing "political gimmicks" over meaningful solutions for Canadians. Trudeau's decision also coincides with rising discontent over high costs of living, including skyrocketing grocery and housing prices, which have severely damaged the Liberals’ standing.

An Ipsos Canada poll from late December placed the Conservatives far ahead with 45% support, while the Liberals and New Democrats trailed at 20% each. These numbers suggest a likely Conservative landslide if an election were held today. Trudeau acknowledged the challenges his leadership faces, stating, "I have always been driven by my love for Canada ... but it has become obvious to me with the internal battles that I cannot be the one to carry the Liberal standard into the next election."

Leadership Transition
With Trudeau stepping down, the Liberal Party will need to find a new leader to restore its fortunes. Chrystia Freeland and former central banker Mark Carney are seen as frontrunners in the leadership race, though neither has formally declared their candidacy.

The prorogation of parliament allows the Liberals time to focus on the leadership contest without the immediate threat of a confidence vote, but experts warn that delaying elections may further frustrate voters. Philippe Lagassé, a constitutional expert at Carleton University, said, "I think people are ready for an election. They want to move on—this is just delaying it."

Political Reactions
Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the Liberals’ focus on internal power struggles, stating, "While leaderless Liberals focus on saving their jobs and fighting each other for power, the country spirals out of control." Poilievre has capitalized on public dissatisfaction, positioning himself as a strong contender for the next election. Known for his populist rhetoric, Poilievre gained prominence in 2022 for supporting the truckers' convoy protests against Covid-19 vaccine mandates.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump reacted to Trudeau’s announcement by renewing calls for closer economic integration between the U.S. and Canada, even suggesting Canada could become the 51st U.S. state. In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed, "Justin Trudeau knew this, and resigned," while blaming Canada for trade imbalances.

Trudeau’s Legacy
Trudeau, 53, became one of the world's most prominent progressive leaders when he took office in 2015, championing gender equality and climate action. He led the Liberals to two reelection victories, making him one of Canada’s longest-serving prime ministers. However, his popularity has waned in recent years, with post-Covid economic challenges and internal party disputes undermining his leadership.

Despite his departure, Trudeau expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve Canada, saying, "I am not someone who backs away from a fight ... but I love this country too much to let internal battles get in the way of what’s best for Canadians."