OTTAWA, Jan 06 (BBC): Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau could announce his resignation within days, according to media reports. He is considering stepping down as leader of the governing Liberal Party, which would also bring to an end his nine years as prime minister.
Last month his finance minister quit, citing policy disagreements such as how to deal with Donald Trump's threat to levy US tariffs on Canadian goods. Trudeau's popularity has also plummeted among voters, with polls suggesting his party are on course for a general election defeat this year.
The Globe and Mail reports that he could announce his intention to quit before he meets his party caucus on Wednesday, to avoid the perception that his own MPs forced him out.
Their sources said it was unclear whether Trudeau would leave immediately or stay on as prime minister until a new leader was selected. And they stressed he had yet to make a final decision on his future.
Whoever takes over will have to lead the party through an election campaign while also navigating a possible trade war with the US. The election must take place before October, but a change in leadership of the Liberal Party could increase calls for a snap vote in the coming months.
Trudeau's departure would bring to an end a defining era in Canadian politics. He unexpectedly swept his party to power in 2015, winning a campaign that began with them in third place.
The fresh-faced young leader, aged 43 back then, promised a new kind of politics centred on an open immigration policy, increased taxes on the wealthy and battling climate change.
More than a dozen of his own MPs have called for him to step down, while polls suggest two-thirds of voters disapprove of him.
Trudeau may quit within days
FE Team | Published: January 06, 2025 23:10:00
Trudeau may quit within days
Share if you like