Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigns after nearly a decade in office, citing party turmoil and low approval ratings, as the Liberals prepare for a leadership transition.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on Monday, marking the end of nearly a decade in office amid declining approval ratings and internal party turmoil. The decision follows months of mounting political pressure, highlighted by the resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland in December and increasing dissatisfaction within the ruling Liberal Party.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigns, stating he will step down after the Liberal Party selects a new leader. pic.twitter.com/QbwSjdTill
— TFTC (@TFTC21) January 6, 2025
Trudeau, 53, stated that he would remain as prime minister until the Liberal Party selects a new leader. Parliament, originally set to resume on January 27, will be suspended until March 24 to allow for the leadership transition. “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,” he said in a statement.
The resignation comes as polls show the Liberal Party trailing the opposition Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, by a wide margin—47% to 21%, according to a recent Nanos poll. Issues such as rising costs of living, housing shortages, and controversies surrounding immigration policies have eroded his popularity.
Freeland’s departure, along with her public criticism of Trudeau’s economic policies, signaled growing unrest within the party. Freeland described recent policies, such as temporary sales tax holidays and direct payments to citizens, as “costly political gimmicks,” urging fiscal prudence in light of potential trade tensions with the United States. Her resignation intensified calls for Trudeau to step down, with over 20 Liberal Members of Parliament publicly or privately urging his departure.
Opposition leaders have seized on the turmoil. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre characterized Trudeau’s resignation as a reflection of Canadians’ desire for change, stating, “Canadians desperate to turn the page on this dark chapter in our history might be relieved that Trudeau is leaving.” New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh criticized the Liberal Party’s record, asserting that “they do not deserve another chance.”
Trudeau’s resignation also coincides with growing international challenges, including threats from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian goods.
The Liberal Party’s leadership race will determine Trudeau’s successor, who will face the prospect of an early election driven by potential no-confidence votes from opposition parties. The outcome will shape Canada’s political and economic trajectory in the face of growing domestic and international pressures.
