<p>Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday announced his decision to step down as leader of the ruling Liberal Party after nine years in office. Despite his resignation as party leader, Trudeau will continue to serve as prime minister until the Liberals elect a new leader. The announcement took place during a press conference.</p>
<p>”We are at a critical moment in the world,” he remarked highlighting the challenges of the Covid Pandemic and supporting Ukraine in the war started by Russia. “I am a fighter. I care deeply about Canadians, I will always be motivated by whats best for Canadians,” he added.</p>
<p>”Over the holidays I have had long talks with my family to reflect on our future…Last night I told my kids about the decision. I resign as as prime minister until the Liberals elect a new leader.”</p>
<p>The decision comes in the wake of mounting pressure from Liberal Party members and dismal polling results. According to BBC, Trudeau has faced increasing calls to resign since the summer, following the Liberals’ historic by-election defeat in Toronto to the Conservative Party. Trudeau’s approval ratings plummeted to 22% as of December, marking the lowest since his tenure began in 2015. </p>
<p>Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party, currently holds a commanding lead in the polls, outpacing Trudeau by nearly 24 points, according to Reuters. The Conservatives’ significant polling advantage signals a likely defeat for the Liberals in the next election, which must be held by 20 October 2025.</p>
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<h3><strong>Internal Liberal Party Discord Lead To Justin Trudeau’s Resignation</strong></h3>
<p>Trudeau, who assumed office in November 2015 and secured two subsequent re-elections, has seen his popularity decline over the past two years due to public dissatisfaction over rising costs and a housing crisis, as per Reuters. Despite previously indicating his intention to lead the Liberals into the next election, internal party tensions have escalated leading to the resignation.</p>
<p><a href=”https://news.abplive.com/news/world/canada-deputy-pm-chrystia-freeland-resigns-says-no-longer-on-same-page-with-justin-trudeau-1737990″>Chrystia Freeland</a>, his finance minister and long-time ally, resigned as deputy prime minister in December. Freeland’s departure followed her opposition to Trudeau’s spending proposals, leading her to accuse him of focusing on “political gimmicks” rather than addressing Canada’s pressing issues, Reuters reported.</p>
<p>New Brunswick MP Wayne Long sharply criticised Trudeau’s leadership, stating to reporters, “He’s delusional if he thinks we can continue like this,” as cited by BBC.</p>
<p>Under the Liberal Party’s constitution, a leadership race will be triggered upon Trudeau’s formal resignation, a process that typically spans several months, according to CBC News. Now, the possibility of a snap election also looms, contingent on either a no-confidence motion or Trudeau’s decision to call one.</p>
<p>Opposition parties have threatened to table a no-confidence motion as early as March, potentially forcing an election, Reuters reported.</p>
