Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday announced his resignation after nearly a decade in power, bowing to rising discontent over his leadership and growing turmoil within his government signaled by the abrupt departure of his finance minister.
Trudeau, the latest incumbent to be driven out by rising voter dissatisfaction worldwide, said it had become clear to him that he cannot “be the leader during the next elections due to internal battles.”
He planned to stay on as prime minister until a new leader of the Liberal Party is chosen.
Photo: AFP
“I don’t easily back down faced with a fight, especially a very important one for our party and the country, but I do this job, because the interests of Canadians and the well-being of democracy” are “something that I hold dear,” said Trudeau, who was initially teary-eyed at the announcement outside his official residence.
The Canadian parliament, which had been due to resume on Jan. 27, would be suspended until March 24, he said.
The timing would allow for a Liberal Party leadership race.
All three main opposition parties have said they plan to topple the Liberal Party in a no-confidence vote when the parliament resumes, so a spring election after the Liberals pick a new leader is almost assured.
“The Liberal Party of Canada is an important institution in the history of our great country and democracy. A new prime minister and leader of the Liberal Party will carry its values and ideals into that next election,” Trudeau said. “I am excited to see that process unfold in the months ahead.”
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