Canada’s Justin Trudeau resigns as party leader

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned Monday, ending his 10 years in power amid growing domestic difficulties – and he received a final boost from President-elect Donald Trump.

“I intend to resign as leader of the party, as prime minister, once the party has chosen its next leader through a competitive and robust process on a national scale,” announced Mr. . Trudeau during a press conference in Ottawa on Monday.

“This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I have to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in this election,” he said.

Mr. Trudeau has led the Liberal Party of Canada for 11 years and served as prime minister for nine years.

He said Canada’s Parliament would suspend until March 24, allowing time for a new leader to be elected.

“Parliament has been totally gripped by obstruction, filibustering and a complete lack of productivity over the past few months. We are currently the longest-serving minority government in history, and it is time for a reset,” Trudeau said.

The extended suspension leaves Mr. Trudeau in charge for the first months of the second Trump administration.

Mr. Trump’s recent comments threatening a trade war and belittling Mr. Trudeau may have been the straw that broke the camel’s back, adding to the prime minister’s struggles with a weak economy, lingering resentment at the over his COVID-19 policies and voter fatigue after a decade. at the head of America’s northern neighbor.