Justin Trudeau on Monday announced he will step down as Liberal Party leader and Canadian prime minister when a new leader is chosen.
“Over the holidays, I’ve also had a chance to reflect and have had long talks with my family about our future,” Trudeau said in a news conference Monday morning in Ottawa. “So, last night over dinner, I told my kids about the decision that I’m sharing with you today: I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide, competitive process.”
“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 added.
Trudeau, 53, has been prime minister since 2015 and Liberal Party leader since 2013, but he has faced mounting calls to resign in recent weeks as his approval numbers and polling have plummeted amid concerns over costs of living and housing costs, and as President-elect Donald Trump threatens heavy tariffs on Canada.
