(Source: AP News) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on Monday after nearly ten years in office, succumbing to increasing dissatisfaction with his leadership and the turmoil within his government, highlighted by the sudden exit of his finance minister.
Trudeau, who joins a growing list of leaders ousted by voter discontent globally, acknowledged that he could not “be the leader during the next elections due to internal battles.” He intends to remain in his role until a new leader for the Liberal Party is appointed.
“I don’t easily back down faced with a fight, especially a very important one for our party and the country. But I do this job because the interests of Canadians and the well being of democracy” are “something that I hold dear,,” Trudeau stated, visibly emotional during his announcement outside his official residence.
He also mentioned that Parliament, originally set to reconvene on January 27, would be suspended until March 24, allowing time for the Liberal Party leadership contest.
All three major opposition parties have indicated their intention to bring down the Liberal government through a no-confidence vote when Parliament reconvenes, making a spring election following the selection of a new Liberal leader highly likely.
