Justin Trudeau resigned as the head of the Liberal Party and prime minister of Canada on Monday, saying that “internal battles” in the organization meant he” cannot be the best option” for the upcoming election.
” This state deserves a genuine alternative in the next vote, and it has become apparent to me that if I’m having to fight internal conflicts, I cannot be the best solution in that vote”, he said at a press briefing.
After a decade of Conservative rule, Trudeau won early praise for restoring Canada to its liberal roots when he came to power in 2015.
The 53-year-old leader, son of Pierre Trudeau, one of Canada’s most renowned prime ministers, enjoyed a period of popularity. However, in recent years, his approval has plummeted due to growing dissatisfaction over issues like the rising costs of food and housing, as well as increasing immigration.
Here’s his full speech:
So I figured it might be entertaining for us to do this once more. Every morning I’ve woken up as prime minister. I’ve been inspired by the resilience, the generosity and the determination of Canadians. Every day I get the chance to work in this office, it is the driving force behind it. That is why since 2015, I’ve fought for this country, for you to strengthen and grow the middle class. Why we rallied to support each other through the pandemic, to advance reconciliation, to defend free trade on this continent, to stand strong with Ukraine and our democracy, and to fight climate change and get our economy ready for the future. We are in a critical period in the world.
My friends, as you all know, I’m a fighter. Because I care about Canadians, I care about this country, and I am always driven by what is best for Canadians, every bone in my body has ever told me to fight. And the truth is that despite best efforts to get through it, Parliament has been paralyzed for months following what has been the longest session of a minority parliament in Canadian history. That’s why this morning I advised the Governor-General that we need a new session of Parliament. She accepted this request, and the House will remain in tact until March 24.
I also had the opportunity to reflect over the holidays and have sat down with my family to talk about our future. Any success I’ve ever had in my career comes from people who have supported and encouraged me throughout my career. So I told my kids about the choice I’m making today over dinner last night. After the party chooses its next leader through a rigorous nationwide competitive process, I intend to step down as the party’s leader and as prime minister. I asked the Liberal Party president to start that process last night. I’ve come to the realization that if I have to fight internal battles, I can’t be the best choice in that election because this nation deserves a real choice in the upcoming election.
The Liberal Party of Canada is a significant institution in the history of our wonderful nation and democracy. A new leader of the Liberal Party and prime minister will carry its values and ideals with them in the upcoming election. In the months to come, I’m looking forward to the process. In 2021, we were elected for the third time to strengthen Canada’s economy and advance its interests in a complex world, and that is exactly the job I and our team will continue to do for Canadians.
