Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday, January 6, 2025, announced his decision to step down as leader of the ruling Liberal Party after nine years in office.
The announcement took place during a press conference in Ottawa.
Announcing his resignation, he remarked, "Over the holidays, I have also had a chance to reflect and to have long talks with my family about our future...Last night over dinner I told my kids about the decision that I am sharing with you today. I intend to resign as party leader, as Prime Minister after the party selects its next leader." He informed that he has asked the Liberal party president to begin the process of choosing the new leader.
Despite his resignation as party leader, Trudeau will continue to serve as prime minister until the Liberals elect a new leader.
Talking about the upcoming polls, he further remarked, "This country deserves a real choice in the next election and it has become clear to me that I am having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election."
He noted that the Canadian Parliament has been "paralysed for months" after what he calls the longest session of a minority parliament in the country's history. Trudeau stated that Canada needs a new session of Parliament and the house will be pro-rogued until March 24.
The Canadian Prime Minister said he wished to change the country's electoral system, terming the inability to do it as a "regret".
He mentioned his Liberal Party was elected for the third time in 2021 to strengthen the economy post-pandemic and advance Canada's interests, and said that is the job he and his party will continue to do.
The decision comes in the wake of mounting pressure from Liberal Party members and dismal polling results. According to BBC, Trudeau has faced increasing calls to resign since the summer, following the Liberals' historic by-election defeat in Toronto to the Conservative Party. Trudeau’s approval ratings plummeted to 22% as of December, marking the lowest since his tenure began in 2015.
Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party, currently holds a commanding lead in the polls, outpacing Trudeau by nearly 24 points, according to Reuters. The Conservatives’ significant polling advantage signals a likely defeat for the Liberals in the next election, which must be held by 20 October 2025.
Speaking about Pierre Poilievre, Trudeau said that his vision is "not the right one for Canadians". Stopping the fight against climate change "doesn't make sense", he emphasised. "We need an ambitious, optimistic view of the future," he remarked, adding, "Pierre Poilievre is not offering that".
Poilievre reacted to Justin Trudeau's resignation announcement, claiming "nothing has changed".
"Every Liberal MP and Leadership contender supported EVERYTHING Trudeau did for 9 years, and now they want to trick voters by swapping in another Liberal face to keep ripping off Canadians for another 4 years, just like Justin," he posted on X.
Trudeau, who assumed office in November 2015 and secured two subsequent re-elections, has seen his popularity decline over the past two years due to public dissatisfaction over rising costs and a housing crisis.