Ottawa: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is reportedly on the verge of announcing his resignation as leader of the ruling Liberal Party after nearly a decade in office, according to a source familiar with the matter. While no final decision has been made, the source suggested Trudeau’s announcement could come as early as Monday.
The development follows a report by the Globe and Mail, which indicated Trudeau’s potential departure amid declining public support and mounting pressure from his own party. The source, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Trudeau’s plans remain uncertain but noted the decision could precede an emergency meeting of Liberal lawmakers scheduled for Wednesday.
Growing Pressure to Step Down
Trudeau, who has led the Liberals since 2013, has faced increasing calls from party members to resign following a string of poor poll results. Recent surveys suggest the Liberals are trailing significantly behind the opposition Conservative Party, raising concerns about the party’s prospects in the next federal election, due by October.
Alarmed by these trends, several Liberal parliamentarians have publicly urged Trudeau to make way for new leadership. Despite attempts to fend off internal dissent, Trudeau’s position has become increasingly tenuous.
Leadership Transition in Focus
Should Trudeau resign, the party will face the challenge of selecting a new leader amid calls for stability. Reports suggest Trudeau has discussed the possibility of Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc stepping in as interim leader. However, this arrangement might be complicated if LeBlanc decides to contest the leadership himself.
It is unclear whether Trudeau would leave immediately or continue as prime minister until a successor is chosen.
A Legacy of Highs and Lows
Trudeau’s political journey began in 2013 when he took over a struggling Liberal Party that had been relegated to third place in the House of Commons. In 2015, he led the party to a resounding victory with promises of “sunny ways,” championing progressive policies, gender equality, and climate change initiatives.
However, his tenure was not without challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic consumed much of his government’s focus, resulting in significant spending to protect businesses and consumers. Despite these efforts, record budget deficits and surging inflation sparked public dissatisfaction.
Trudeau’s immigration policies, which brought hundreds of thousands of newcomers to Canada, also faced criticism for exacerbating an already overheated housing market.
Internal Tensions and Public Discontent
In recent months, Trudeau’s leadership faced additional strain after an attempt to demote then-Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, one of his key allies, backfired. Freeland resigned, accusing Trudeau of prioritizing “political gimmicks” over national interests, further eroding confidence within the party.
What’s Next for Canada?
Trudeau’s resignation, if confirmed, will mark the end of an era in Canadian politics. The Liberal Party will need to navigate a leadership transition while preparing for a potential election to solidify its position in a shifting political landscape.
With Trudeau’s legacy under scrutiny and his party at a crossroads, Canada’s political future remains uncertain.
