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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as the leader of the country and the governing Liberal Party, responding to growing demands for his departure. Trudeau made the announcement during his first press briefing since December, addressing both his party’s internal dissent and opposition criticism.
The decision comes amid heightened political turbulence, sparked in part by the unexpected resignation of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland just hours before presenting an economic report. Freeland’s departure added fuel to political unrest, intensifying calls for Trudeau to step aside.
Trudeau has served as leader of the Liberal Party since 2013 and became Prime Minister in 2015, ushering in a period marked by progressive policies and international diplomacy. However, in recent months, dissatisfaction within his party has grown, with key Liberal members withdrawing their support and urging for a new leader.
The opposition Conservative Party has also ramped up its efforts to unseat Trudeau, recently unveiling plans to introduce another no-confidence motion in Parliament to push for his removal. These developments have added significant pressure on Trudeau’s leadership.
During his announcement, Trudeau confirmed that he will remain in his position until the Liberal Party selects a successor. He has asked Canada’s Governor General, Mary Simon, to extend the parliamentary session’s restart until March 24, providing time for the party to organize the transition.
Anonymous sources reported that Trudeau had been contemplating his political future since December, considering whether to continue leading the country amid mounting criticism and internal challenges.
The Liberal Party has already begun discussions about potential candidates to replace Trudeau, signaling a new chapter in its leadership.
Trudeau’s tenure has been marked by significant achievements, including advancing climate policies, championing diversity, and navigating complex international relations. However, his leadership has also faced criticism, particularly over domestic policy challenges and controversies surrounding ethics and transparency.
