In front of the media, Justin Trudeau described himself as “a fighter » (a fighter) who does not back down “so easily from a fight” and who does “this job » because he has at heart “the interests of Canadians and the well-being of our country, of our democracy”.
He said he had during the holidays “the opportunity to reflect and have long conversations” with his family. “So, last night at dinner, I shared with my children the decision that I share with all of you today: I intend to resign as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and as Prime Minister once the party has chosen its next leader following a national, rigorous and competitive process,” he announced.
Justin Trudeau was dumped by the main regional caucuses of his political party during the holidays, including his deputy prime minister and Minister of Finance, Chrystia Freeland, who slammed the door of the cabinet in mid-December on the very morning of the presentation of its economic statement.
The prime minister, in power for nearly ten years, risked being shown the door during a revolt in his caucus which would likely have taken place during a meeting scheduled for Wednesday.
He has also been touching the bottom of voting intentions for almost two years, while polls continue to place the Liberals far behind the Conservatives in anticipation of the next federal elections, which must take place in the fall at the latest.
“The country deserves a clear and real choice in the next elections,” the Prime Minister insisted on Monday.
– By Michel Saba, with information from Émilie Bergeron
