Maps
Magazine

WORLD NEWS

Trudeau Faces Pressure to Step Down Amid Liberal Party Crisis
Liberal Revolt in Canada: Over 50 Liberal MPs call for Trudeau’s resignation as party faces potential election defeat. Can new leadership save the Liberals?
ND
by News Desk
2024-12-24
Trudeau Faces Pressure to Step Down Amid Liberal Party Crisis

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is under mounting pressure to resign as leader of the Liberal Party, with internal dissent threatening his hold on power. After nine years in office, Trudeau’s party is facing plummeting approval ratings amid voter fatigue, surging inflation, and a housing crisis, leaving his political future uncertain.

Calls for Resignation

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) reported that more than 50 Liberal Members of Parliament from Ontario—Canada’s most populous province and a key Liberal stronghold—held a private call on Saturday. During the meeting, participants reportedly agreed that Trudeau should step aside to give the party a chance to recover ahead of the next election.

Chandra Arya, a Liberal MP and longtime Trudeau supporter, told the CBC, “There is no alternative but to have the leadership change now.”

As of last week, only 18 Liberal legislators had publicly called for Trudeau’s resignation. However, the growing internal pressure highlights the severity of the crisis gripping the party.

Recent Setbacks

Trudeau’s leadership faced two major blows last week. First, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned over disagreements on government spending policies. Shortly thereafter, opposition parties announced plans to unite against the minority Liberal government, potentially triggering a no-confidence vote in March.

Adding to the party’s woes, polls indicate the Liberals would suffer a crushing defeat at the hands of the opposition Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, in a general election.

Potential Successors

If Trudeau steps down, the Liberal Party would have time to select a new leader to reposition itself before the next election. Potential contenders include:

  • Chrystia Freeland: The former finance minister and deputy prime minister, widely seen as a capable leader.
  • Melanie Joly: The current foreign minister, known for her diplomatic acumen.
  • Francois-Philippe Champagne: The innovation minister, whose business-friendly policies have drawn attention.
  • Mark Carney: Former Bank of Canada governor, who offers economic expertise and an outsider’s perspective.

Trudeau's Stance

Despite the growing pressure, Trudeau has shown no indication of stepping down immediately. According to The Globe and Mail, Trudeau plans to spend Christmas with his family before taking a skiing vacation in British Columbia. Sources suggest he will use the holiday period to decide his political future.

Opposition Demands

Opposition parties argue that Canada cannot afford prolonged political instability, especially with the U.S. poised to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian imports under the incoming administration. They are pushing for an immediate election to stabilize the government.

Trudeau's Options

Trudeau faces three key options moving forward:

  1. Remain in Office: Risking a likely defeat in a no-confidence motion in March.
  2. Step Down: Allowing the party to name an interim leader and prepare for an election.
  3. Prorogue Parliament: Ending the current parliamentary session to buy time, a move that could alienate voters further.

Liberal Party's Future

The Liberal Party has launched an advertising campaign warning voters that the Conservatives would slash public spending if elected. Notably, Trudeau himself was absent from the campaign material, signaling a potential shift in strategy as his party grapples with its uncertain future.
Tagged:

Trudeau

CanadianPolitics

LiberalParty

CanadaElection
Share News: