Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced plans to step down as the leader of Liberal Party and Prime Minister once his party selects a new leader, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape.
Speaking at a news conference in Ottawa, Trudeau revealed that he will remain in office as Prime Minister until a new leader is chosen.
He said: “I intend to resign as party leader as prime minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide competitive process”
Trudeau revealed that he had requested the president of the Liberal Party to initiate the leadership transition process the previous night.
He said: “This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.”
He also announced that parliament will be prorogued until March 24.
Trudeau’s decision comes amid growing pressure from within his party and elsewhere to step down.
His resignation will pave the way for a new leader to take the helm, with potential successors including former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and former central banker Mark Carney.
Trudeau, 53, has been at the helm of Canada’s ruling Liberal Party since 2013 and has served as the country’s Prime Minister since November 2015.
Until recently, he had told reporters on numerous occasions he expected to lead the Liberals into the next election.
His popularity, along with that of his governing Liberal Party, has been dwindling.
The party has suffered significant losses in recent months, including losing crucial strongholds in by-elections and bidding farewell to prominent cabinet ministers.
A recent poll has revealed a dismal 16% support for the Liberals, marking their worst pre-election standing in over a century.
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