By By: Alphanso G. Kalama;
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation, citing a collapse of parliamentary support and political deadlock. The announcement came Monday during a press conference held outside his residence at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa.
“I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust nationwide, competitive process,” Trudeau declared, signaling the end of his nearly decade-long tenure as Canada’s leader.
The 51-year-old leader revealed that parliament will be prorogued until March 24, giving the Liberal Party time to select a new leader and chart a new path forward. Trudeau’s resignation marks the end of an 11-year reign as the head of the Liberal Party and a tumultuous nine years as prime minister.
Trudeau attributed his decision to an increasingly paralyzed parliament, which he said had made meaningful governance impossible. “The political gridlock has stalled progress, and I believe it’s time for fresh leadership to break the impasse,” he stated.
Trudeau’s departure underscores a pivotal moment in Canadian politics, as the Liberals now face the challenge of regaining public trust and selecting a successor who can navigate the nation through mounting political and economic pressures.
As one of the most prominent figures in Canadian history, Trudeau’s leadership legacy includes major milestones like the legalization of cannabis and strides in climate action, but also controversies that have eroded his once-stellar popularity.
The upcoming leadership race will determine the future direction of the Liberal Party and, by extension, Canada itself, as the nation awaits a new prime minister to take the reins in a rapidly shifting political landscape.
