In a dramatic announcement, Justin Trudeau, Canada’s Prime Minister for the past nine years, announced his intention to step down after the ruling Liberal Party selects a new leader.

His decision, announced today (Monday), comes amid mounting political challenges, internal party discord, and a waning public approval that has shaken his administration to its core, CNN reported.

Political Gridlock

Trudeau reportedly told media houses in Ottawa that parliamentary paralysis and internal battles have hampered his ability to govern effectively. He mentioned that he intends to resign as party leader and prime minister after the party selects its new leader.

The Liberal Party reportedly plans to hold a leadership contest before the March 24 parliamentary deadline, temporarily suspending government proceedings. The move comes ahead of a general election, set to take place no later than October, with polls reportedly forecasting a crushing defeat for the Liberals at the hands of Pierre Poilievre’s opposition Conservative Party.

Interestingly, the US political class is happy. Donald Trump has welcomed Trudeau’s exit as an opportunity for the US to merge with Canada. On his Truth Social, Trump highlighted some of the benefits the two countries will achieve from such an arrangement.

Trudeau’s resignation follows months of public dissatisfaction over issues like inflation and the high cost of living. A viral confrontation with a steelworker in Ontario epitomized the frustration among working-class Canadians.

In a separate report by NBC News, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland’s recent resignation has further highlighted the turmoil within the Liberal Party.

In her resignation letter, Freeland criticized Trudeau’s policies as “political gimmicks” and accused him of mishandling critical issues, including US-Canada trade relations. Her departure came just as former US President Donald Trump announced plans to reintroduce a 25% tariff on Canadian imports.

Opposition Leader Gains Momentum

Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party, wasted no time responding to Trudeau’s announcement. Poilievre’s hardline stance on issues like immigration and climate change has resonated with some Canadians, mirroring the appeal of Trump’s base in the United States.

His rising popularity is seen as a major factor in Trudeau’s decision to step down. The Liberal Party now faces the challenge of selecting a new leader who can salvage the party’s standing ahead of the looming election.

Potential contenders include Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, and the recently resigned Chrystia Freeland. Elon Musk also commented on X that “2025 is looking good.”

As Trudeau exits the stage, the political landscape in Canada shifts dramatically. Whether his resignation offers a chance for renewal or spells further difficulties for the Liberal Party remains to be seen. Trudeau mentioned that it was time for a fresh start, but it’s clear that Canada’s political challenges are far from over.