Canada: Trudeau Resigns

Justin Trudeau is no longer the Prime Minister of Canada after 10 years. The 53-year-old leader of the Liberal Party has announced his resignation from the party and therefore from his position as head of government. This decision will take effect as soon as a new leader is appointed.

Considered for years a political talent and a leading figure of the left in North America, Trudeau is also hereditary. His father Pierre was Prime Minister of Canada from 1968 to 1979 and then from 1980 to 1984.

The resignation follows a protracted crisis in the (minority) government for some time, culminating in the withdrawal of the social democratic NDP party, which guaranteed external support, and the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.

Freeland resigned after Trump’s threats to tighten duties on Canada. The president-elect promises to sign an executive order that will impose a 25 percent tariff as early as January 20, the first day he actually takes office, on all goods coming from Canada. Trump has referred to Trudeau as “Governor” several times and has more or less explicitly instructed him to consider this North American country as the 51st state. And Trump revisited it after his resignation, commenting on his Truth social media account: “Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State. The United States can no longer suffer the massive Trade Deficits and Subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat.  Justin Trudeau knew this, and resigned.”

“If I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option’ in upcoming election,” Trudeau commented. “I’m a fighter. Every bone in my body has always told me to fight because I care deeply about Canadians. I care deeply about this country, and I will always be motivated by what is in the best interest of Canadians.” Two women are being touted as successors: current Foreign Minister Melanie July and former Deputy Prime Minister Freeland.