Pressure Mounts on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to Resign Amid Deepening Political Crisis
Pressure is increasing on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to resign, especially following the resignation of his long-time political ally, Chrystia Freeland, this week. Freeland, who serves as Canada's finance minister and deputy prime minister, announced on Monday that she was stepping down due to disagreements with Trudeau over U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's threat to impose a 25% tariff on Canada.
Following Freeland's resignation, new questions have emerged regarding Trudeau's leadership, as his popularity has been declining, particularly due to rising living costs and the housing crisis. In November, Trump's tariff threat was seen as a significant threat to Canada's economy, placing Trudeau under intense criticism.
Will Trudeau Resign?
Trudeau, who has served as Prime Minister since 2015, may now consider stepping down from the leadership of the Liberal Party. If he resigns, the party would need to elect an interim leader and later convene a congress to select a permanent leader.
However, some political analysts suggest that if Trudeau witnesses further ministerial resignations, he may be "forced to resign."
Liberal Caucus Members May Apply Pressure
While there are no formal mechanisms within the party, members of the Liberal Caucus could pressure Trudeau to step down if he chooses to do so. Several Liberal MPs have already called for his resignation, but many still express loyalty to Trudeau.
Meanwhile, the current Canadian government is in a minority position in Parliament, which means that if the opposition parties want to pass a vote of no confidence, Trudeau’s government could fall. However, the New Democratic Party (NDP) is still supporting the Liberals, though NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has called for Trudeau’s resignation.
What Will Trudeau Decide?
If Trudeau decides to remain in leadership, he will need to unify his party. He may choose to suspend Parliament and take a break, giving him some time. However, the likelihood of a vote of no confidence is increasing, and according to recent polls, the Liberal Party is trailing behind the Conservative Party by a significant margin.
It appears that Canadians may soon go to the polls, and Trudeau's political future may be in the hands of the voters.
