In response to his disturbed management of international relations, mainly with India, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is under increasing pressure to step down. Studies suggest that Trudeau, 53, was resign as soon as this year ahead of a crucial Liberal Party conference meeting on Wednesday.
Party rebellion: A authority on the brink
Trudeau’s issues with his Democratic Party have grown worse over the past month. High-profile Members, including Sean Casey and Ken McDonald, have publicly criticized his administration, with more than 20 MPs officially signing a vow demanding his resignation. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland’s departure in December more weakened his government, with Freeland citing” costly social gadgets” in her obscene resignation letter.
Adding to Trudeau’s woes, the Liberals suffered defeats in two recent by-elections, and his ally, New Democratic Party ( NDP ) leader Jagmeet Singh, has threatened to introduce a motion to topple the government when Parliament resumes on January 27.
India position: Controversy over Khalistani complaints
Trudeau’s political row with India has become a focal point of censure. He charged India with being involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated extremist and Khalistani dissident head, outside a Sikh church in Canada in September 2023. The accusations were dismissed by India as “absurd,” which caused officials to be kicked out of their posts and strained bilateral relations more.
Critics contend that Trudeau’s accusations against India were a logical attempt to appeal to a certain percentage of Canada’s pro-Khalistani Sikh voting center. However, there are still skepticism and private animosity because many Canadians believe the accusations are a distraction from pressing national issues like housing shortages and economic stagnation.
Traditional boom and management vacuum
The Liberal Party will have to choose a new president before the national elections in the second half of this year if Trudeau retires. Liberal leader Pierre Poilievre’s rising popularity, whose promises to reform carbon taxes and handle Canada’s housing crises have resonated with citizens, lacks the mass appeal of possible successors like Dominic LeBlanc, Mélanie Joly, and Mark Carney.
With Poilievre’s Republicans holding a double-digit result in opinion polls, Trudeau’s departure could fall the Liberals into more chaos.
Fallout in India-Canada relationships
For India, Trudeau’s leave may open the door to resetting diplomatic relationships, which have been clouded by his administration’s reported pandering to Khalistani loyalists. India may see this social change as an opportunity to have a more constructive relationship with a upcoming French government as the political freeze drags on.
