Justin Trudeau Resigns As Liberal Party Leader, Will Serve As Canadian PM Until New Successor Is Chosen

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Monday that he will step down as both Prime Minister and leader of the ruling Liberal Party once a successor has been chosen. This decision follows mounting pressure from within his own party for a change in leadership after his nine-year tenure.

"I intend to resign as party leader and as prime minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide competitive process," Trudeau told reporters during a long-anticipated press conference.

Photo Credit: AP/PTI

The announcement leaves the Liberal Party without a permanent leader just as polling suggests a significant defeat by the official opposition, the Conservatives, in the upcoming election, which is expected to take place by late October this year.

Acknowledging internal conflicts within his party, Trudeau said, "This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I have to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election."

"I am a fighter. Every bone in my body has always told me to fight because I care deeply about Canadians. And the fact is, despite the best efforts to work through it, Parliament has been paralysed for months. That's why this morning I advised the Governor-General that we need a new session of Parliament. She has granted this request and the House will now be prorogued until March 24," he added.

The embattled Prime Minister also mentioned having lengthy discussions with his family about the future. "Over the holidays, I have also had a chance to reflect and have had long talks with my family about our future," he said.

Justin Trudeau came to power in 2015, bringing an end to a decade of Conservative Party rule, and was initially celebrated for steering Canada back towards its liberal roots.

However, the 53-year-old son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau has seen his popularity decline in recent years, driven by widespread voter dissatisfaction over rising food and housing costs and the sharp increase in immigration.

Multiple opinion polls in Canada show a significant surge in support for the opposition Conservative Party ahead of the upcoming election, set to take place before October 8.