Canada’s Trudeau steps down as Liberal Party leader amid pressure
Al Jazeera
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigns after nine years amid pressure from his party and low public approval ratings.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation as Liberal Party leader amid increasing pressure to step down from within the party.
From a podium outside his residence at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa on Monday, Trudeau added that he would also step down as prime minister once a new leader is selected.
“I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide, competitive process. Last night, I asked the president of the Liberal Party to begin that process,” Trudeau said.
In announcing the decision, the prime minister made reference to the upcoming federal elections, which must be held before October 20 of this year.
“This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election,” Trudeau explained.
