Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday announced his resignation as Liberal Party leader after reports of rising discontent over his leadership. Trudeau was elected to power in 2015 after 10 years of Conservative Party rule.
Trudeau stepping down is likely to result in the Conservative Party’s return to power.
“I intend to resign as party leader as prime minister after the party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide competitive process. 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 said at a press conference.
The Conservatives are led by Pierre Poilievre, and last held government from 2006 to 2015. The Poilievre campaign has taken on a strong populist slant, with messaging on fighting inflation and minimising government.
The Canadian Parliament will be suspended, Trudeau said during his address.
The Parliament was to resume on January 27. The opposition parties had vowed to bring down the Trudeau government as soon as they could, most likely at the end of March.
But if Parliament does not return until March 24, the earliest that a no-confidence motion could be brought in would be in May 2025, reports said.
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