Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his intention to resign, marking the end of a tenure that began in 2015. Speaking at a news conference on Monday, Trudeau disclosed his decision amid mounting political challenges. A senior government source confirmed the development to AFP, though the exact timeline for his departure remains unclear.
Trudeau is set to address reporters at 10:45 a.m. (1545 GMT) to provide further details.
The prime minister’s political standing has been significantly weakened in recent months, especially following the abrupt resignation of Chrystia Freeland, his former finance minister and deputy prime minister, in December.
In a sharply critical resignation letter, Freeland accused Trudeau of prioritizing political optics over substantive governance, citing a costly Christmas tax holiday as an example. She argued that the measure was a populist move that diverted attention from addressing Canada’s financial vulnerabilities, particularly in light of looming economic challenges.
The situation has been further complicated by the incoming U.S. administration’s trade policies. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports, a move that could have dire consequences for Canada’s economy.
Trudeau’s resignation signals the end of a significant era in Canadian politics, as his leadership comes under