Justin Trudeau Announces Resignation After a Decade as Canada’s Prime Minister Amid Political Crisis

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau officially announced on Monday, January 6, his decision to step down as head of government and leader of the Liberal Party after nearly ten years in power. In an emotional address, he revealed that he would remain in office until his party selects a successor, a process expected to conclude before Parliament resumes on March 24.

This decision comes amidst a major political crisis, marked by internal tensions and a significant loss of support. “I intend to resign once the party has chosen its next leader,” Trudeau stated, highlighting the “internal battles” that have paralyzed his government. Since the Liberal alliance with the New Democratic Party ended last September, the Prime Minister has led a minority government, narrowly surviving several confidence votes.

Internal Pressures and Economic Challenges
Trudeau’s leadership faced increasing criticism, even from within his own party. In December, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned from the government due to disagreements over handling an impending trade war with the United States. Donald Trump’s return to power in January, accompanied by threats of heavy tariffs on Canada, intensified scrutiny of Trudeau’s governance.

Nationally, Trudeau’s popularity had plummeted, weakened by persistent issues such as rising inflation, a housing crisis, and struggling public services. While his tenure featured landmark policies such as cannabis legalization, a carbon tax, and an inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women, economic and social challenges ultimately eroded public and political support.

Turning the Page for Canada
The son of former Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Justin Trudeau raised significant hope when he took office in 2015. However, his final year in power has been dominated by unprecedented political and economic crises.

As the Liberal Party prepares to elect a new leader, Trudeau’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in Canadian political history, leaving the country at a crossroads.