Drumbeat

Canada: Prime Minister Trudeau announces resignation

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party and head of government on Monday. The 53-year-old said at a press conference in Ottawa that he would only remain in office until a successor had been found.

An emergency meeting of the Liberal parliamentary group is scheduled for Wednesday. Trudeau is under pressure within the party after polls predict a clear defeat for his Liberal Party in the upcoming parliamentary elections in October at the latest. Several Liberal MPs have publicly called on him to resign out of concern for the party's poor poll ratings.

Ups and downs
Trudeau took over as party leader in 2013 during a time of crisis for the Liberals and came to power in 2015 with a progressive program. His time in office has been characterized by ups and downs: Initially celebrated for his course, he has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including the corona pandemic, the rising cost of living and criticism of his immigration policy.

According to the media and observers, however, the resignation would come at an unfavorable time for the party: according to polls, the Liberals are threatened with significant losses against the Conservatives in the elections. Experts expect that Trudeau's resignation could intensify calls for early elections in order to form a viable government in light of Donald Trump's presidency in the US.