Ottawa, January 07, (V7N) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation from both his position as Prime Minister and as the leader of the Liberal Party on Monday. The 52-year-old leader stepped down amid declining support for his party, with a federal election scheduled for October 2025, just nine months away.
 
Trudeau assumed leadership of the Liberal Party in 2013, when the party was in a weakened state. He led the party to victory in 2015, regaining power, and again in 2021, securing a third term as Prime Minister. However, his popularity has steadily declined since then, and it is now anticipated that the Liberals may suffer a significant defeat in the upcoming election.
 
Several factors have contributed to his downfall. A significant rift emerged between Trudeau and his finance minister, Chrystia Freeland, over government spending proposals. Freeland opposed Trudeau's spending plan, leading to an open conflict that culminated in her resignation from the finance minister's position, accusing Trudeau of playing "political games" instead of focusing on the country's welfare.
 
Rising costs of living, inflation, and a housing crisis have also sparked public discontent. Despite the government's heavy spending to protect consumers and businesses, the cost of goods has continued to rise, further eroding Trudeau’s support.
 
Trudeau’s immigration policies, which allowed large numbers of people from around the world to settle in Canada, have also drawn criticism, as the country's housing market has struggled to keep up with demand, driving rental prices up significantly.
 
Moreover, Trudeau's stance on India has contributed to his political troubles. His 2023 remarks accusing the Indian government of involvement in the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar worsened diplomatic relations between Canada and India. Critics believe Trudeau used this issue to divert attention from domestic concerns and appeal to Sikh voters, but it has largely backfired, with many Canadians perceiving it as a distraction from national issues.
 
Trudeau, the son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, had been seen as a successful successor to his father. However, his tenure has ended with political turmoil.
 
In a statement, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre criticized Trudeau’s leadership, arguing that the country needs an optimistic, ambitious future-focused vision, which he believes Trudeau failed to provide.
 
END/SMA/RH/