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Trudeau’s resignation would leave the party without a leader just months before the next legislative elections, scheduled for the end of October
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been facing dissent within the party. (AP Image)
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau may resign as Liberal Party leader as soon as Monday, following increasing dissent within his party.
According to several media reports, including The Globe and Mail and The Toronto Star, sources within the Liberal Party expect him to step down ahead of the national caucus meeting on Wednesday.
The announcement could come within the next 24 hours, sources told both newspapers on Sunday. Trudeau’s resignation would leave the party without a leader just months before the next legislative elections, scheduled for the end of October.
It is still unclear whether the 53-year-old would remain as interim leader or vacate the position immediately if he resigns as prime minister.
One source, who recently spoke to the Canadian Prime Minister, said Trudeau understands the need to make a statement before meeting the Liberal caucus to avoid the appearance of being forced out by his own MPs. The three sources noted they are uncertain about the plans of the Liberal Party national executive to replace Trudeau as leader, The Globe and Mail reported.
Trudeau Faces Growing Pressure To Resign
This development comes as Trudeau’s popularity has declined in recent months, with his government narrowly surviving several no-confidence votes and critics calling for his resignation. He had pledged to stay on and lead the Liberals into the elections but has faced increased pressure, especially from incoming US president Donald Trump, who threatened a 25% tariff on Canadian goods.
In December, Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned after disagreeing with Trudeau over how to handle Trump’s proposed tariffs, marking the first public dissent within his cabinet. In response, Trudeau reshuffled his cabinet later that month, replacing a third of his team in an effort to manage the growing political turmoil.
Trudeau, who swept to power in 2015 and led the Liberals to two more electoral victories in 2019 and 2021, now trails his main rival, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, by 20 points in public opinion polls.
(With inputs from AFP)
