Embattled Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigns

SUMMARY

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on January 6, 2025, after nearly a decade in office. Facing plummeting popularity, internal party strife, and poor polling predictions, Trudeau acknowledged he could no longer lead the Liberal Party into the next election, expected by late October. He plans to remain in office until his party selects a successor. Trudeau’s decision follows growing calls for his resignation and the abrupt departure of former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, who resigned after clashing with him over economic policies. Freeland accused Trudeau of prioritizing “political gimmicks” over Canada’s economic stability. Grim polls predict the Liberal Party would face total defeat to the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre. Parliament, originally set to resume January 27, will be prorogued until March 24 to facilitate the leadership race. Trudeau cited his 'love for Canada' and its 'best interests' as his motivations for stepping down.