Justin Trudeau, who has served as Canada’s prime minister for almost a decade, said that he would step down in the coming months, bowing to an angry electorate at a time of uncertain economic prospects and political infighting. He has suspended Parliament until March 24, he said.
The announcement has left Canada in political flux just as the incoming Trump administration has vowed to impose punishing tariffs on Canadian imports. Trudeau’s replacement will be chosen through a nationwide Liberal Party election.
He is the latest leader in the West to be swept aside by a mood of anti-incumbency, a backlash against immigration and anger at the lingering effects of a spike in inflation during the coronavirus pandemic. Although inflation in Canada has receded to below 2 percent, unemployment remains high, at above 6 percent.
“It’s time for a reset,” Trudeau said, adding: “I truly feel that removing the contention around my own continued leadership is an opportunity to bring the temperature down.”
According to a poll released last month by Ipsos, 73 percent of Canadians, including 43 percent of Liberal voters believed he should step down as party leader.
