Justin Trudeau’s resignation as Canada’s prime minister comes after mounting political and internal pressures rendered his position untenable.
Despite his earlier resolve to remain as leader of the Liberal Party, Trudeau ultimately succumbed to widespread voter dissatisfaction, declining party fortunes, and increasing unrest among his MPs.
According to a BBC report, Trudeau, who got to power in 2015 with a message of hope and progress, had become a polarising figure. Early in his tenure, he enjoyed overwhelming public support, revitalising the Liberals from a struggling party to one that secured a majority in Parliament.
However, a series of ethics scandals, including the SNC-Lavalin affair and controversies surrounding government contracts benefiting his family, eroded his credibility. These issues, coupled with the party’s reduced majority in 2019 and lacklustre results in the 2021 snap election, highlighted a steady decline in public trust.
Economic challenges, including inflation and a rising cost of living, further weakened Trudeau’s standing. His government faced criticism for failing to deliver on key promises, such as ambitious climate initiatives and immigration reforms. Critics characterised his agenda as overambitious and poorly managed.
Attempts to regain public confidence, including cabinet reshuffles and new tax breaks, failed to halt the Liberals’ declining popularity. Polls showed the party reaching historic lows, with opposition leader Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives well-positioned to win a general election if one were held today.
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Trudeau also faced mounting opposition within his party. This became evident when Chrystia Freeland, his former deputy and finance minister, resigned in December, citing frustration with his leadership. Her departure triggered a wave of criticism from Liberal MPs, who openly questioned Trudeau’s ability to lead.
A series of by-election defeats in key Liberal strongholds over the summer further intensified internal strife, with many attributing the party’s failures directly to Trudeau.
In his resignation announcement, Trudeau acknowledged that internal divisions had become a distraction, hindering his ability to focus on leading the country effectively into the next election. He stated that his departure was essential to provide Canada with “a real choice” in leadership.
Trudeau’s resignation leaves the Liberal Party in a state of instability as it searches for a new leader. Parliament has been suspended until March to allow time for the leadership transition.
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