Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is poised to announce his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party, potentially as early as Monday, according to multiple reports from The Globe and Mail. Sources with knowledge of the situation indicate the announcement could come just before the national party caucus set for Wednesday, raising questions about the future leadership of the party.
The Prime Minister's Office has yet to comment on the situation. Reports do not clarify whether Trudeau plans to step down immediately or continue serving as Prime Minister until his successor is named.
Trudeau has faced growing dissent within his party, leading to speculation about his leadership. His tenure has witnessed varying degrees of popularity since he assumed leadership of the Liberals, first rising from the third place to become Prime Minister following the 2015 elections. The latest polls suggest the Liberal Party is trailing significantly behind the Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, by as much as 20 points.
Recent pressures were exacerbated by Trudeau's unverified claims of foreign interference related to New Delhi, which were firmly denied by the Indian government, marking what many saw as a significant diplomatic failure. This incident underscored the difficulties Trudeau faces, both domestically and internationally.
Trudeau’s anticipated resignation seems to come amid significantly dwindling public support, with polls indicating only 28% of Canadians believe he deserves re-election. His government, often perceived as lacking coherence, now finds itself at the heart of calls for leadership change.
Trudeau's departure marks the end of an era for the Liberal Party. During his leadership, he enacted various progressive policies, including the legalization of cannabis and introducing measures to address climate change. Nevertheless, the recent decline has raised fears within the party about the upcoming federal elections scheduled for late October.
Sources have noted the possibility of Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc stepping in as interim leader, though this could complicate the future if he is also considering running for the party's leadership.
The political atmosphere within Canada is charged, with rising concerns about governance as opposition parties gear up for what they see as opportunities to undermine the existing government. Some MPs are reportedly preparing motions of non-confidence.
Adding to the pressure, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland's resignation late last year after disagreements over the direction of the government highlighted the fractures within Trudeau's administration. Her departure was not only seen as symptomatic of the tension within the Cabinet but also sparked intensified criticism from opposition leaders who have openly demanded Trudeau step down.
With increasing uncertainty looming over the Liberal Party, Trudeau’s decision to resign could facilitate calls for expedited elections, as the party grapples with leadership transitions and the pressures of international relations.
The resignation signifies more than merely one leader stepping down; it reflects the mounting pressures and potential paradigm shifts within Canadian politics as various factions vie for power, compelling the Liberal Party to reassess its direction.