Justin Trudeau said on Monday he plans to step down as leader of his governing Liberal Party and as Canada’s prime minister after nearly a decade in power.
Trudeau made the announcement in a speech from his Rideau Cottage residence in Ottawa, after weeks of mounting pressure from inside and outside his party.
He will continue on as prime minister – a position he has held for nine years – until a new party leader is chosen.
“I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide, competitive process,” he said.
“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’s minority government, already deeply unpopular, was dealt a major blow by the resignation of finance minister Chrystia Freeland last month after the two clashed over economic policy.
A general election must be held in Canada by October 20.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces his resignation as Liberal leader and prime minister outside Rideau Cottage in Ottawa. Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press via ZUMA Press/dpa
