Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to announce his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party as early as Monday, according to a report by The Globe and Mail citing three unnamed sources.
While the exact timing of Trudeau’s announcement remains uncertain, sources indicated it could come before a key national caucus meeting scheduled for Wednesday. It is also unclear whether Trudeau will step down immediately or remain as prime minister until a new leader is chosen, the report added.
Trudeau has led the Liberal Party since 2013, taking the helm when it was struggling in third place in the House of Commons. His leadership revitalized the party, culminating in a decisive victory in the 2015 federal election.
However, his anticipated departure comes at a challenging time for the Liberals, with recent polls suggesting the party is poised for a significant defeat to the Conservatives in the next federal election, which must occur by late October.
Trudeau’s resignation could prompt calls for a swift election to establish a stable government capable of navigating relations with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump over the next four years.
According to one source, Trudeau has discussed the possibility of Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc serving as interim leader and prime minister. However, this arrangement could be problematic if LeBlanc decides to enter the leadership race.
