Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday announced his resignation amid mounting dissent inside his party. “I intend to resign as party leader as prime minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide competitive process. This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election,” Trudeau said at a press conference.
Trudeau,53, assumed office in November 2015 and secured re-election twice, making him one of Canada’s longest-serving prime ministers. However, his popularity began to decline two years ago due to widespread frustration over rising prices and a housing shortage, and his political standing has not improved since. Polls indicate that the Liberals are set to suffer a significant defeat to the official opposition, the Conservatives, in an election that must take place by late October, regardless of the leader.
