The scenario has been taking shape for several weeks already, it is now confirmed: in power for almost a decade, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on Monday. He leaves his position as head of government of the country. Under pressure within his own party, he is faced with the most serious political crisis of his long career.
“I intend to resign as party leader and prime minister once the party has chosen its next leader,” he told reporters in the capital Ottawa. “Since 2015, I have fought for this country. I am a fighter, I care deeply about Canadians and I will always be motivated by what is in the best interest of Canadians,” he added. “Parliament has been paralyzed for months,” also admitted the former Canadian Prime Minister.
The Globe and Mail and The Toronto Star newspapers announced a probable withdrawal by the Prime Minister on Monday, ahead of a national meeting of his party scheduled for Wednesday, citing sources within the Liberal party. Justin Trudeau’s office refused to comment on this information.
It was unclear, however, whether Justin Trudeau, 53, who came to power in 2015, would remain his party’s interim leader or whether he would immediately leave the post if he resigns as prime minister. It is finally the second option which was chosen by the politician.
Political crisis and worrying return of Donald Trump to power
This announcement comes just a few months before the next legislative elections, which must be held by the end of October. Until now, Justin Trudeau had announced his intention to run again, but he is credited in the polls with more than 20 points behind his conservative rival, Pierre Poilievre. A minority in Parliament, he is also weakened by the withdrawal of his left-wing ally and the growing discontent within his own party.
His popularity had waned in recent months as his government narrowly survived a series of votes of no confidence and his critics called for his resignation. He is seen as responsible for the high inflation hitting the country as well as the housing and public services crisis.
The head of the multilateralist government has been further weakened in recent weeks by the chaos that reigned in the capital Ottawa after the surprise resignation in mid-December of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who disagreed with him on how to manage the looming economic war with the United States.
Donald Trump’s statements in recent weeks have in fact aggravated the Canadian political crisis and caused a shock wave. The country is seeking a solution to the threats of Donald Trump, who promised to impose customs duties of 25%, just like in Mexico, as soon as he returns to power. The winner of the US election in November is due to take office on January 20.
Video“An excellent idea”: Donald Trump once again raises the idea of making Canada the 51st American state
Justin Trudeau traveled to Florida in November to meet him at his Mar-a-Lago property to avoid a trade war. But since then, Donald Trump has dealt him humiliating blows on social networks, repeatedly calling him “governor” of Canada.
