Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces resignation amid political crisis and low polls

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on 6 January 2025, saying he would step down as both Liberal Party leader and prime minister as his party grapples with a deep political crisis, internal dissent, and very low public approval ratings after nearly a decade in power. Trudeau confirmed he will remain in office as a caretaker leader until the Liberals choose a successor through a leadership contest. The resignation followed months of slumping poll numbers, mounting dissatisfaction within his own caucus, and lost support from key allies. The sudden departure of Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland in December 2024, which exposed sharp internal divisions, was widely seen as a tipping point that intensified pressure on Trudeau to resign.Trudeau said that continuing as leader amid “internal battles” would not be in the best interest of his party or the country ahead of the 2025 federal election. Analysts noted the Liberals’ poor performance in polls — with the party trailing the opposition Conservatives by a large margin — contributed to his decision. Trudeau’s resignation marked a significant turning point in Canadian politics, paving the way for a new Liberal leadership and a shift in the campaign ahead of the next national vote.