Trudeau Resigns After Nine Years as Canada’s Prime Minister

Trudeau resigns: Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation after more than nine years leading Canada. The decision comes amid falling approval ratings and increasing discontent within his own party. At 53, Trudeau holds the record for the longest-serving leader among G7 countries. He will remain in office until a new leader is chosen, and Parliament will adjourn until March 24 to facilitate this process.

Leadership Contest Ahead

The winner of the Liberal leadership race will become Canada’s 24th prime minister and must quickly prepare for an election, with the Conservative Party currently leading in public opinion. A national vote is expected by October, although it may come sooner. Three opposition parties have already indicated they will support a non-confidence motion, potentially triggering an election.

Declining Popularity and Global Trends

Trudeau’s political future has been uncertain for months, worsened by inflation and rising interest rates that have strained Canadian households. His resignation follows a broader pattern of political setbacks faced by leaders worldwide, including U.S. President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Freeland’s Resignation and Party Revolt

The resignation of Chrystia Freeland, Trudeau’s deputy prime minister and finance minister, in December sealed Trudeau’s fate. Freeland, once a close ally, criticized Trudeau for resorting to “costly political gimmicks” amid looming trade tensions with the U.S. Her departure sparked discontent within the Liberal Party, with many members urging Trudeau to step down.

Potential Successors

Candidates to succeed Trudeau include Chrystia Freeland, Dominic LeBlanc, Melanie Joly, and Mark Carney. Freeland and LeBlanc, key figures in Trudeau’s government, are strong contenders. Carney, a former central banker, gained political traction since returning to Canada in 2020. These candidates now compete for leadership.

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A Promising Start

Trudeau’s journey to leadership seemed almost inevitable, with his first home being the official residence of the prime minister. In 2013, he revitalized the Liberal Party, transforming it from a post-defeat shell into a powerful force. His 2015 victory, fueled by support from young voters, marked progressive policies such as marijuana legalization and Indigenous reconciliation.

Challenges of Governance

While Trudeau’s early years were marked by optimism, governing proved difficult. Economic struggles, including a drop in oil prices and trade uncertainty following Donald Trump’s rise, tested his administration. His 2018 success in renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement was one of his key achievements. However, an ethics scandal in 2019, involving SNC-Lavalin, eroded public trust.

COVID-19 and the Aftermath

The COVID-19 pandemic further defined Trudeau’s tenure as his government spent heavily to address the economic collapse. However, vaccine mandates and protests, including the 2022 trucker convoy, caused deep divides. While many debate his handling of the pandemic, inflation and rising interest rates, compounded by global events like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have further undermined his popularity.

Trudeau resigns marks the end of an era, reflecting growing dissatisfaction and his inability to address internal party divisions. His leadership, though historic, failed to maintain unity amid mounting challenges, according to wall street journal subscription.