Justin Trudeau said Monday that he plans to step down as leader of his ruling Liberal Party and as Canada's prime minister after nearly a decade as head of government.
Trudeau made the announcement in a speech from his Rideau Cottage residence in Ottawa, after weeks of intense pressure from inside and outside his party.
He will continue as prime minister – a role he has held for nine years – until a new party leader is elected.
“I plan to step down as party leader, as prime minister, after the party has chosen its next leader through a strong, nationally competitive process,” he said.
Trudeau said that he had asked the governor-general to postpone the parliament, or postpone it until March 24. She approved the request this morning, he said. The suspension will allow the Liberals to hold the leadership race to replace Trudeau.
“This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I have to fight an internal battle, I cannot be the best choice in that election.”
Trudeau, 53, has led the Liberal Party for 11 years and was hailed by many progressives around the world as a beacon of hope when he became prime minister in November 2015.
He is credited with leading Canada forward on issues such as the climate crisis, gender equality and reconciliation with Aboriginal people.
But a number of political scandals, such as dropped corruption investigations, damaged his image at a time when Canada's economy was also struggling.
Criticism of the prime minister has increased significantly recently, with people accusing him of not containing high prices or not providing enough housing in the country.
The New Democratic Party, with whom the Liberal Party had previously worked to pass legislation, withdrew its support in September and threatened a vote of no confidence.
Trudeau's minority government was then dealt a major blow when finance minister Chrystia Freeland resigned last month after the two coalitions clashed over economic policy.
A general election must be held in Canada by October 20, but an early election could be forced, for example by a vote of no confidence.
The Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, is currently polling at around 40%, with the Liberal Party hovering around 20%.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces his resignation as Liberal leader and premier outside Rideau Cottage in Ottawa. Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press via ZUMA Press/dpa
