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Justin Trudeau’s tenure as Canada’s prime minister might be nearing its end, as reports suggest he is poised to announce his resignation this week.
Canadian media sources, including the Globe and Mail, cite unnamed insiders indicating Trudeau’s decision could come as early as Monday, ahead of the Liberal Party’s national caucus meeting scheduled for Wednesday.
The anticipated announcement follows months of mounting political turmoil for the once-charismatic leader who has governed since 2015.
Trudeau’s popularity has plummeted to an abysmal 28%, with a staggering 68% disapproval rate, according to Canadian pollster Angus Reid. The country faces economic challenges, including a housing crisis, high inflation, and declining GDP per capita, further fueling discontent with his leadership.
Trudeau’s challenges have intensified in recent months. His government narrowly survived a no-confidence vote in September, and December saw Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resign, citing irreconcilable policy differences.
Freeland’s resignation letter described a “grave challenge” for Canada, referencing looming economic threats such as potential U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports. Her departure dealt a severe blow to Trudeau, particularly given her reputation as a loyal ally.
Adding to the pressure, over 20 Liberal Members of Parliament (MPs) have publicly or privately called for Trudeau’s resignation, signaling a fracturing within his party.
Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party, has pledged to bring a formal motion of no-confidence later this month, claiming that “this government’s time is up.”
Personal Choices and Public Perception
Trudeau’s personal actions have also drawn ire. In November, he faced backlash after attending a Taylor Swift concert in Toronto while violent protests erupted in Montreal.
Critics, including MP Don Stewart, lambasted the prime minister for what they saw as a tone-deaf display of frivolity during a time of national unrest.
“The Prime Minister dances while lawless protesters wreak havoc. This is Trudeau’s Canada,” Stewart posted on social media, encapsulating the sentiment of many disillusioned Canadians.
What’s Next for Trudeau and the Liberals?
If Trudeau resigns, his departure will trigger a leadership race within the Liberal Party, a contest likely to draw significant attention and political maneuvering.
Speculation about potential successors is rife, with former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, and Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne among the names being floated. Mark Carney, ex-governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, is also rumored to be a contender.
The leadership race’s timing and format will be crucial, as the Liberal Party faces a resurgent Conservative opposition leading in the polls. Trudeau’s decision will also determine whether an interim leader is chosen or if he remains in office during the transition.
As Trudeau retreats from public view—having spent much of the holidays at a ski resort—Canada watches closely for his next move. Whether his resignation will quell the growing political instability or further embolden his critics remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that Trudeau’s grip on power has never been more tenuous.