Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Announces Resignation Amid Party Turmoil

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation, citing internal party conflicts that have hindered his ability to lead effectively.

According to CNN report, Trudeau stated this during a press conference on Monday, January 6, noting that he intend to resign as party leader after a new leader emerges.

“I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its new leader,” Trudeau stated.

Trudeau’s decision comes as his Liberal Party faces dwindling popularity and a looming general election. The party will suspend parliament until March 24 to choose a new leader.

Trudeau expressed regret over his inability to reform Canada’s election process, saying, “If I have one regret, particularly as we approach this election… I do wish we’d been able to change the way we elect our governments in this country.”

The outgoing prime minister also took aim at Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, stating, “Stopping the fight against climate change doesn’t make sense… Backing off on the values and strength and diversity that Canada has always, always, worked to pull itself together on is not the right path for the country.”

In response, Poilievre said, “Canadians can take back control of their lives and their country… Take back control of our border. Take back control of immigration. Take back control of spending, deficits, and inflation.”

Possible contenders for the Liberal Party leadership include Mark Carney, Mélanie Joly, and Chrystia Freeland, who resigned as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister last year.

In a statement, Freeland thanked Trudeau for his service, saying, “I thank Justin Trudeau for his years of service to Canada and Canadians. I wish him and his family the very best.”