‘Internal battles’ within the ruling party are the reason for Trudeau’s resignation in Canada.
As recent polls reveal a resounding increase in support for the opposition Conservative Party, Justin Trudeau has been under tremendous pressure from his fellow party members. Later this year, Canada will hold elections, and a new government must be formed by October 20.
Justin Trudeau’s nine-year term as Prime Minister of Canada came to an end today when he resigned as leader of his Liberal Party of Canada. Until his successor is selected, he continues to serve as caretaker prime minister. The action was taken in response to growing opposition to him within his party. He made the announcement in both English and French during a press conference outside his Rideau Cottage home in Ottawa today.
“I have informed my party and the Governor that I intend to resign as leader of the party as well as prime minister of Canada, and will do so as soon as my successor is appointed through a robust nationwide competitive process,” said Justin Trudeau.
Even though he is a “fighter,” Mr. Trudeau, 53, continued, the parliament is “paralysed” under his leadership.
“I hereby prorogue the Parliament until March 24 in order to initiate the process of finding a new leader to lead the party and Canada until elections scheduled for later this year,” he stated.
“A new prime minister and party leader will carry its values and ideals into the next election,” he added.
When asked about his regrets, Justin Tudeau replied, “If I have one regret… I do wish that we’d been able to change the way we elect our governments in this country” , stating that “Voters should be allowed to pick their second and third choices on the voting ballot itself, instead of the current system, which is set up to play to the advantage of those who want to polarise the situation and play Canadians against each other.”
The Canadian legislature states that in such a situation, the ruling party has ninety days from the date of the leader’s resignation to find a replacement.
