Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau Resigns Amid Escalating Political Crisis

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his decision to resign as Prime Minister of Canada and leader of the Liberal Party after nine years in office, but will remain in office until the party elects a replacement.

Trudeau made the announcement at a press conference in Ottawa.

‘I intend to step down as leader of the party as prime minister after the party selects its next leader through a rigorous, nationally competitive process,’ Trudeau said. ‘This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it's become clear to me that if I have to fight internal battles, I can't be the best option in this election,’ Trudeau said.

This means that Trudeau will still be prime minister on 20 January, when US President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

Earlier, Trump threatened to impose tariffs that would harm Canada's economy.

Trudeau, 53, took office in November 2015 and won re-election twice, becoming one of Canada's longest-serving prime ministers.

However, two years ago, his popularity began to decline due to public anger over high prices and housing shortages, and his fortunes have not recovered.

Polls show that the Liberals will lose heavily to the official opposition of the Conservatives in the elections due by the end of October, regardless of who is the leader.

Parliament was due to resume work on 27 January, and opposition parties have vowed to topple the government as soon as possible, most likely in late March.

If the parliament does not return by 24 March, they will be able to pass a no-confidence vote in May at the earliest.