Trudeau resigns as Liberal leader amid waning popularity

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Monday, January 6th, 2025

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Sources DAN News

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation as leader of the ruling Liberal Party after nine years in office. Trudeau will remain in his post until the party selects a new leader, likely delaying the next federal election until May.

At a news conference, Trudeau acknowledged internal pressures and declining public support. “This country deserves a real choice, and if I’m fighting internal battles, I cannot be the best option,” he said. His resignation follows a dip in popularity due to rising costs and a housing crisis, with polls predicting a significant Liberal loss to the opposition Conservatives.

Trudeau, 53, first took office in 2015 and secured two re-elections, but his government faced increasing challenges, including losing safe seats in recent by-elections. Tensions escalated last month when Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned after clashing with Trudeau over fiscal policies.

Trudeau has requested Governor General Mary Simon to prorogue parliament until March 24, preventing opposition parties from initiating a non-confidence vote until May. This move ensures Trudeau remains in office when U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has threatened trade tariffs against Canada, takes office on January 20.

During his tenure, Trudeau implemented major reforms, including legalizing cannabis, introducing a carbon tax, and signing a new trade agreement with the U.S. Despite his achievements, mounting criticism and political polarization have overshadowed his legacy.

The opposition Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, have positioned themselves as strong contenders, further pressuring Trudeau’s leadership