Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation after a nine-year tenure, citing internal party pressure and declining support for his leadership. Trudeau will remain in office until the Liberal Party selects a new leader, and parliament will be suspended until March 24, 2025.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Trudeau said, “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, 53, also revealed that he had informed his children about his decision the night before, emphasizing that the Liberal Party’s future would depend on a robust, nationwide leadership contest. The party has governed as a minority since 2019 and has been trailing the opposition Conservatives in polls for months.

The resignation comes amid significant challenges for Trudeau’s Liberal Party. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned abruptly in December 2024, alleging insufficient action by Trudeau to address threats posed by U.S. tariffs under President-elect Donald Trump.

The departure of Freeland, a longtime ally, eroded Trudeau’s support within the Liberals and strained alliances with the left-leaning New Democrats and the Bloc Québécois, who had previously propped up his government. Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the Liberals, stating, “Every Liberal MP and leadership contender supported EVERYTHING Trudeau did for nine years, and now they want to trick voters by swapping in another Liberal face.”

Sachit Mehra, president of the Liberal Party, praised Trudeau’s leadership, highlighting accomplishments such as the Canada Child Benefit, the legalization of recreational cannabis, and progress on reconciliation with Indigenous communities.

Trudeau, the son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, swept to power in 2015 with promises of progressive reform and a fresh era of “Sunny Ways.” His tenure included significant milestones, such as gender equality in his cabinet and implementing a national carbon tax. However, his administration was also marked by controversies, including a corruption scandal, backlash against COVID-19 vaccine mandates, and public discontent over housing and food price inflation.

Trudeau’s popularity plummeted to 22% by late 2024, according to polls, as Canadians grew frustrated with economic challenges and strained public services.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet have called for an early election following the Liberal leadership transition. Blanchet suggested that a new mandate should be sought once a successor is named.

Public reactions to Trudeau’s resignation have been mixed. Some Canadians celebrated outside Parliament Hill, while others expressed indifference.

Adding an international dimension to Trudeau’s departure, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump claimed that pressure over tariffs led to the resignation. In a social media post, Trump floated the idea of Canada becoming “the 51st State,” arguing it would eliminate tariffs and ensure security.

The Canadian government, meanwhile, announced sweeping new security measures along its U.S. border, underscoring the ongoing tension between the two countries.

As the Liberal Party begins its search for a new leader, the political landscape in Canada is poised for a period of uncertainty, with federal elections required on or before October 20, 2025.