Justin Trudeau on Monday announced that he will step down as the Canadian Prime Minister and Liberal leader once his party has chosen a new leader.
Trudeau, who has been the leader of the Liberal Party since 2013, and has been serving as the country's PM for more than nine years, announced his decision at a news conference in Ottawa, late Monday evening, India time.
Facing a major revolt within his party and a dismal public opinion polls ahead of this year's general elections, Trudeau also asked Governor-General Mary Simon to prorogue Parliament until March 24.
"I intend to resign as party leader and as prime minister after the party selects a new leader," said Trudeau, adding that he had reflected over his decision during the holidays and with family last night.
The Liberal caucus is set to meet on Wednesday.
Trudeau has faced mounting challenges, particularly after Chrystia Freeland's abrupt resignation as Finance Minister on December 16. Freeland publicly slammed Trudeau in her resignation letter, intensifying pressure on his leadership.
Adding to his troubles, Trudeau's minority Liberal government lost a critical ally in September 2024 when Jagmeet Singh’s New Democratic Party (NDP) withdrew its support.
Singh, in a video statement, accused the Liberals of failing Canadians and declared they no longer deserved the public's trust. This political setback has weakened Trudeau's administration ahead of the general elections slated for this year.
Economic challenges have further exacerbated the Liberals' struggles, with recent polls suggesting a sharp decline in their popularity. Reports indicate that the Conservatives are poised to secure a decisive victory in the upcoming elections. Trudeau's office has not commented on the resignation rumours or provided a response outside regular business hours.
Trudeau first became leader of the Liberal Party in 2013, taking the reins when the party was in a precarious position, having been relegated to third place in the House of Commons.
Trudeau's departure would mark a significant shift in Canadian politics, leaving the Liberal Party without a permanent leader at a critical juncture.
Mistake that benefits no one: World leaders react to Trump's 'reciprocal tariffs'
As US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on the so-called "reciprocal tariffs," the world reacted sharply against the decision, with some calling it a "mistake that benefits no one" while others called it a violation of Washington's obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Indian pharmaceutical exports get reprieve from Trump’s reciprocal tariffs
Because of the importance of India’s pharmaceuticals to US healthcare, those exports will get a reprieve from President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, according to the White House.
India stands less impacted by Trump tariffs than global peers: Industry
As US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries, including India, industry experts said on Thursday that it appears India's export competitiveness to the US market stands far less impacted on a relative basis compared to global peers.
IAF pilot killed, another critical as Jaguar fighter jet crashes in Gujarat
An Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot lost his life, while another sustained critical injuries after their two-seater Jaguar fighter jet crashed near Gujarat's Jamnagar Airfield, the IAF confirmed on Thursday.
PM Modi emplanes for Thailand; to attend BIMSTEC summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday emplaned for Thailand on a state visit to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, with his visit also set to bolster bilateral relations between New Delhi and Bangkok.
Tripura CM stresses promoting NE states' potential to attract investment
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday said that the development of the communication process and system has generated a lot of investment potential, and therefore, more emphasis should be placed on promotion to attract investors in all the northeastern states.
Tripura has 94,723 Lakhpati Didis; 93,425 women to get similar status soon: Minister
Among the 4,75,582 Self Help Group (SHGs) members in Tripura, 94,723 women emerged as ‘Lakhpati Didis’ through their engagement in various enterprising units and 93,425 more women would be ‘Lakhpati Didis’ soon, Social Welfare and Labour Minister Tinku Roy said.
Bhavan’s Little Learners celebrate annual programme
The Bhavan’s Little Learners, Bordowali celebrated annual programme and organised prize distribution ceremony here at Agartala Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan on Wednesday.