Canadian PM Trudeau announces plan to resign

Justin Trudeau says he intends to resign as Canada’s prime minister and leader of the Liberal Party.

Trudeau announced the plans on Monday evening.

The announcement confirmed earlier reports that the prime minister was preparing to step down.

Trudeau said he would resign after his party selects its next leader through a “robust, nationwide, competitive process”.

“Last night I asked the president of the Liberal Party to begin that process,” he added.

“This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.”

Trudeau, who came to power in 2015, began facing mounting calls from members of his own party to step down, particularly after the unexpected exit of Chrystia Freeland, deputy prime minister and finance minister, last month.

Freeland’s resignation highlighted deep divisions within the party regarding fiscal policies and strategies in response to anticipated US tariffs under Donald Trump’s administration.

Trudeau assumed office on a promise to transform Canada.

Although the prime minister gained commendation for his push for progressive issues, his popularity quickly plummeted in recent months, attributed to rising living costs, housing affordability issues, and high immigration rates.

Polls indicated a growing disillusionment among Canadians, which further weakened his standing within the party and among the electorate.

Trudeau acknowledged that ongoing internal disputes made him an unsuitable candidate for the upcoming elections, which must be held by October.

“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,” he said.

Trudeau said he was “excited” to see the process unfold.