Justin Trudeau resigns after nine years in power
- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned after nine years in office amid declining popularity.
- He cited prolonged parliamentary paralysis and internal party pressures as key factors for his decision.
- The resignation raises significant questions about the future leadership of Canada amidst looming elections and political challenges.
On January 6, 2025, Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada, announced his intention to resign from his position and as leader of the Liberal Party after nine years in power. Trudeau's decision came amid escalating unpopularity resulting from several domestic challenges, including inflation and a housing crisis, and significant political pressure from the Conservative Party, which had gained a commanding lead in the polls. The Liberal Party had experienced increasing internal dissent, compounded by the resignation of Trudeau's long-time ally and finance minister, Chrystia Freeland. Trudeau signaled that he would step down once a new leader was elected, allowing for an orderly transition before the scheduled parliamentary session in March 2025. As the political landscape is shifting, the Liberal Party must prepare for an election that could see the Conservatives, under the leadership of Pierre Poilievre, taking power. Trudeau's leadership has faced numerous controversies, most notably the criticism surrounding his handling of U.S. relations amidst threats of tariffs and criticism from former President Donald Trump, who publicly derided Trudeau as ineffective. With a general election looming this year, Trudeau’s resignation is seen as a critical turning point for Canada’s political future, as the Liberal Party hopes to regain support through new leadership ahead of the elections.