Like Father, Like Son

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned Monday, following months of mounting internal pressure and plummeting public support for his Liberal Party, which has seen its popularity drop to 16 percent in polls as the country prepares for elections later this year, Axios reported.

In a statement, Trudeau announced he would step down as both prime minister and party leader once his party selects a new leader through a “robust, nationwide, competitive process.”

Trudeau, who has led the party for 11 years and served as prime minister for nearly nine, admitted he was no longer the “best option” to lead the Liberals into the next federal elections, set to take place before October.

His resignation marks a dramatic fall from the popularity he enjoyed in 2015 when he was elected aged just 43 with approval ratings above 60 percent.

Trudeau’s decision comes after weeks of speculation following key resignations from his cabinet and growing criticism over its handling of rising inflation, housing costs, and immigration concerns.

Calls for him to step down increased after the departure of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who warned of Canada’s economic challenges, including threats of US tariffs that have fueled fears of a trade war.

Despite defending his economic policies and achievements in reducing poverty, Trudeau acknowledged the deep unpopularity of his government, citing “internal battles” and parliamentary gridlock as obstacles to progress, NPR noted.

He vowed to remain in office as a caretaker until his successor is chosen. The Liberal Party now faces the challenge of selecting a new leader capable of rebuilding voter trust and countering a resurgent Conservative Party in the upcoming election.

Trudeau’s resignation echoes that of his father, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, who also stepped down as prime minister in 1984.