Canada Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau announces his resignation
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party and as head of government. The 53-year-old said at a press conference in the capital Ottawa that he only wanted to remain in office until his successor had been decided.
06.01.2025, 17:35
SDA
"This country deserves a real choice in the next election and I have realized that I cannot be the best alternative in this election if I have to fight internal battles," he said.
Trudeau had been leader of the Liberal Party for around eleven years and prime minister since the end of 2015. Initially, Trudeau had promised "positive policies" and "sunny paths" and was celebrated by many as a beacon of hope. Recently, however, criticism of Trudeau has increased significantly. Among other things, many people accuse him of not fulfilling his many promises, that prices have risen too much and that there is too little housing in the country.
The pressure on the prime minister has been increasing recently: his poll ratings have plummeted and calls for his resignation have become louder - even from within his own ranks.
Vice Freeland with a loud exit
The New Democratic Party, with which the Liberals had previously worked together, has already withdrawn its confidence in him and threatened a vote of no confidence. Most recently, Trudeau's deputy and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland also resigned.
Freeland, who is said to have claims to the leadership of the Liberals, had resigned from the government after criticizing Trudeau. "In recent weeks, we have disagreed on the best way forward for Canada," she explained in her letter of resignation. Trudeau then announced a cabinet reshuffle.
Conservative Party far ahead in the polls
The next regular election in Canada is due in the fall, but a vote of no confidence, for example, could also force an early election. The polls currently look good for the Conservative Party under the leadership of Pierre Poilievre. As things stand, it could garner around 40 percent of the vote, while Trudeau's Liberals would only get around 20 percent.
The often populist Poilievre has announced, among other things, that he wants to build more houses if he wins the election.
Historically, the Liberals, who move between the center and center-left of the political spectrum, have dominated politics in Canada since the 20th century. They have provided the majority of prime ministers and played a key role in shaping the comparatively progressive politics of the North American country.
Canada is the second largest country in the world in terms of area, has around 40 million inhabitants and is a member of NATO and the G7.
