Explained | How Justin Trudeau Lost His Shine And Became Canada’s Most Unwanted Leader

After nearly a decade in power, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation, marking the end of an era for the country. Trudeau, once celebrated as the 'golden boy' of Canadian politics, has seen his popularity plummet to an all-time low, with approval ratings dropping from 65% in 2016 to a mere 22%.

His departure, widely anticipated due to mounting dissatisfaction, has left many questioning how Trudeau, who once enjoyed immense support, became one of the country's most disliked leaders, as reported by Hindustan Times.

A Rocky Tenure: Declining Popularity

Trudeau's announcement comes at a time when his approval ratings have hit rock bottom. Polls conducted by agencies like Angus Reid Institute and Ipsos Canada reveal significant discontent, with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre surpassing Trudeau in voter support. Trudeau's declining popularity and the calls from within his own party to step down have led many to believe he should have resigned sooner. With Canada heading towards the 2025 federal elections, Trudeau's party, the Liberals, will now search for a new leader, as reported by Firstpost.

Scandals and Controversies

Throughout his tenure, Trudeau has found himself embroiled in multiple scandals that tarnished his once-sterling reputation. One of the earliest controversies came in 2017 when he was found guilty of breaching conflict-of-interest rules after accepting gifts from the Aga Khan Foundation. The public backlash was swift, and Trudeau issued a public apology. In 2018, his state visit to India became a spectacle, with Trudeau's family photoshoots in traditional Indian attire overshadowing his diplomatic mission. The situation worsened when a convicted Khalistan separatist was found attending events in his honor.

In 2019, Trudeau faced the Blackface incident, where old images of him dressed in blackface resurfaced. The public reacted with shock, and his credibility as a progressive leader was questioned. The scandal further eroded his standing, as did his poor handling of the SNC-Lavalin affair-a corruption scandal that saw the resignation of prominent women from his cabinet.

Economic Mismanagement and Covid-19 Fallout

Another area of major criticism was Trudeau's handling of the economy. His 2014 comment that the Canadian budget "will balance itself" was met with ridicule, especially as Canada faced mounting economic challenges. The housing crisis became more severe under his leadership, with property prices skyrocketing and supply failing to meet demand. Additionally, inflation rates surged during his time in office, reaching a high of 6.8% in 2022, as per Firstpost report.

Trudeau's response to the Freedom Convoy protests in 2022, which was sparked by vaccine mandates for truckers, further strained his leadership. The use of emergency powers to quash the protests drew widespread criticism and led to legal battles over the constitutionality of his actions.

Diplomatic Struggles

Trudeau's international relations also suffered during his time in office. Relations with India soured after he accused the country of being involved in the murder of a Sikh activist, a claim denied by New Delhi. Additionally, allegations of Chinese interference in Canadian elections further damaged his credibility on the global stage, as per media reports.

As Trudeau steps down, Canadians are left to grapple with the legacy of a leader who once embodied hope and change but ultimately became a symbol of political disillusionment. The road ahead for Canada will now be shaped by the Liberal Party's search for a new leader capable of restoring the country's faith in its government.