Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation after nearly a decade in office. Citing internal party struggles and declining public support, Trudeau stated he will remain in his position until the Liberal Party selects a new leader by March 24, 2025.

Justin Trudeau has officially stepped down as the Prime Minister of Canada and leader of the Liberal Party after nearly a decade as prime minister

Trudeau’s resignation was announced on January 6, 2025, at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, Ontario, where he stated that he would not be able to effectively campaign in the upcoming 2025 federal election amidst internal party dissent.

“This country deserves a real choice” at the next election, he says, announcing that parliament will be prorogued until 24 March

This move comes after a tumultuous period in Trudeau’s leadership, with his popularity dwindling due to a decline in public opinion polling and a loss of confidence from the House of Commons and Liberal Party members

“It has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election,” he said.

Trudeau’s tenure, beginning in 2015, was marked by significant achievements, including transformative social policies and effective management during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, recent challenges such as rising living costs, increased immigration, and internal party dissent have contributed to his decision to step down.

The Governor General, Mary Simon, will prorogue Parliament until March 24, 2025, allowing for the conclusion of the Liberal Party leadership election to choose Trudeau’s successor .

Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP), has been giving his reaction to Trudeau’s decision to resign.

At a press conference, he says Trudeau and the Liberal Party have “let down Canadians”, and he particularly focuses on the cost of living.

“It doesn’t matter who the next Liberal leader is. They have let you down. They do not deserve another chance,” he says.

Singh also aims at the Conservatives, describing them as “another serious threat to the middle class” and warning they will make “cuts” which will harm Canadians.

Reacting to news of Justin Trudeau’s resignation, the leader of the Bloc Quebecois, a federal party whose aim is to advance Quebec interests, says Canada needs to have an election as soon as possible.

“Now is time for an election, which I understand will be held after the Liberal Party has chosen a new leader,” Yves-François Blanchet told reporters in Ottawa.

He added that he believes Trudeau made the right decision in stepping down, “even if it will cost us a few weeks” before Canadians can head to the polls.

The next federal election must be held on or before October. It can be called much sooner if parliament – including Bloc Quebecois members – votes in favour of a no-confidence motion to topple Trudeau’s Liberal government.

This cannot happen until after March 27, as Trudeau has delayed the sitting parliament until then to give his party time to find a new leader.