Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to announce his resignation soon, although no final decision has been made yet. Sources indicate that Trudeau may step down before a caucus meeting on Wednesday. The ruling Liberal Party is trailing badly in polls, and an election must be held by late October. Trudeau’s departure would leave the party without a permanent leader at a critical time.

Calls for Trudeau’s resignation have grown due to poor poll results and internal party conflicts. Trudeau has discussed the possibility of Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc stepping in as interim leader. However, this would be unworkable if LeBlanc plans to run for the leadership. Trudeau’s attempts to demote Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland led to her resignation and further criticism.

Trudeau took over as a Liberal leader in 2013 leading the party to power in 2015 with a progressive agenda. However, the challenges of governing, including the effects of the pandemic and a botched immigration policy, have taken a toll on his leadership. Trudeau’s departure would likely spur fresh calls for a quick election to establish a stable government.

Source: Reuters