A stunning political development unfolds in Canada as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces mounting pressure from within his own Liberal Party.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Trudeau announced his resignation on Monday, marking the end of his tenure as one of the most prominent progressive leaders in global politics.
The 53-year-old leader's decision comes amid plummeting approval ratings, hovering around 20%, and his Liberal Party trailing the Conservatives by more than 20 percentage points. Trudeau will remain in office until the party selects a new leader, a process that could extend over several months.
Trudeau's political journey began with his meteoric rise to fame in 2012, marked by a memorable victory in a charity boxing match against Conservative Senator Patrick Brazeau.
His early years as prime minister saw him championing progressive policies and environmental initiatives, including plans to phase out Canada's oil and gas industry. The charismatic leader initially gained strength following Donald Trump's 2016 election, positioning himself as a progressive counterpoint to the right-wing U.S. president.
His popularity began to wane in 2019 following accusations of interfering in a corruption investigation involving SNC-Lavalin Group Inc.
The situation worsened when photos emerged of him wearing blackface at various events, contradicting his carefully crafted image of inclusivity. These controversies marked the beginning of a steady decline in public support.
Trudeau explained his resignation, stating:
It has become clear to me that if I'm having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.
Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party, has capitalized on Trudeau's declining popularity by adopting a populist approach similar to right-wing movements across Europe and the Americas.
His platform includes promises to lower taxes, eliminate the carbon tax, and address housing construction barriers through reduced regulations.
The resignation comes at a crucial time as Canada faces significant economic challenges and potential trade tensions with the United States. Trump, now president-elect, has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian imports unless border security issues are addressed. The situation became more precarious after Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's recent departure from the cabinet.
Bruce Anderson, an Ottawa-based pollster and political commentator, noted:
In the last couple of years, Trudeau has not been an effective politician. He's kind of lost his political antenna.
Justin Trudeau's resignation marks a significant shift in Canadian politics, ending a decade-long era of progressive leadership that began with his election in 2015. His departure comes amid growing voter dissatisfaction with rising costs, housing shortages, and immigration policies. The Liberal Party now faces the challenge of selecting a new leader before the upcoming October elections, with former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and former Bank of England governor Mark Carney emerging as potential successors.
