Justin Trudeau Resigns as Canadian PM and Liberal Party Leader After 9 Years

Jan 7, 2025, 05:30 AM

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation as both the leader of the Liberal Party and the Prime Minister of Canada after nearly 9 years in office. Trudeau, who has been facing a 30% approval rating, stated that he would step down once the Liberal Party selects a new leader by the March 24 deadline. His decision comes amid growing internal party pressure and declining popularity, with polls showing the Liberals trailing significantly behind the Conservative Party led by Pierre Poilievre. Trudeau's resignation follows a period of economic challenges, including high inflation and housing costs, and strained international relations, particularly with the United States, where President-elect Donald Trump has threatened a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, and with India. The Liberal Party is now set to initiate a leadership race, with potential candidates including former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne, and former Defence Minister Anita Anand.