Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, 53, has announced his resignation as leader of the ruling Liberal Party, a position he has held since 2013.
In a press conference in Ottawa, Trudeau addressed the protracted political crisis that has gripped Canada in recent months. “I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister,” he said.
He also revealed that Canada’s parliament will be suspended until March 24 to allow for the selection of a new leader. “Parliament has been paralyzed for months after what has been the longest session of a minority parliament in Canadian history,” he noted. Trudeau confirmed that he had advised the Governor General to prorogue parliament, a request that was granted.
Trudeau will serve as prime minister in a caretaker capacity until his successor is chosen.
The announcement follows the December resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, who also served as deputy prime minister. Freeland stepped down over policy disagreements, including Trudeau’s handling of U.S. tariffs under Donald Trump’s administration and what she described as “costly political gimmicks.”
With polls predicting a significant defeat for the Liberals to the opposition Conservatives in the upcoming election, Trudeau’s resignation marks the end of an era for the party. The Liberals will now appoint an interim leader to serve as prime minister until a special leadership convention determines Trudeau’s permanent replacement.