Justin Trudeau’s press conference fuels predictions of the Canadian prime minister’s imminent resignation

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Justin Trudeau called a press conference for Monday morning as speculation grew that he would resign as Canada’s prime minister after nearly a decade in power.

Trudeau’s popularity is at an all-time low after voters and members of his own party turned against him following a turbulent period of speculation about his ability to govern the G7 nation.

Canadian media, including the national broadcaster CBC, reported that he was ready to step down. His resignation would trigger a leadership race in his Liberal Party ahead of a general election that must be held before October this year, but could come much sooner.

The New Democratic Party (NDP) — a vital ally in parliament — announced before Christmas that it was no longer supporting the minority Liberal government.

Opposition parties, including the NDP, have also said they are ready to vote of no confidence in the Lower House, which could also trigger an early election.

Pierre Poilievre, whose Conservative Party leads the Liberals by 25 points in the polls, has repeatedly called for Trudeau step down or call early elections, citing Canada’s looming challenges with incoming US President Donald Trump.

Trump has repeatedly mocked Trudeau, calling him the governor of the 51st US state, prompting calls for the prime minister to step down.

Ottawa-born Trudeau, the son of charismatic Liberal leader Pierre Trudeau, who served as prime minister from 1968 to 1979 and from 1980 to 1984, worked as a drama teacher at a Vancouver school before being elected in April 2013 the leader of the liberal party.

His tenure as prime minister began in October 2015 when the young newcomer led his Liberal Party to a resounding victory over the Conservatives and their unpopular leader Stephen Harper.

During his tenure, Trudeau introduced legislation to decriminalize soft drugs, advance gender equality and promote reconciliation with First Nations, as well as the urgent need to address climate change. He also pledged to take in 25,000 Syrian refugees fleeing the war in his country, despite concerns about the level of immigration.

But Trudeau’s popularity has fallen over the past year due to skyrocketing living costs and a housing affordability crisis. His efforts to boost Canada’s post-pandemic economy with record immigration also drew widespread backlash.

Angus Reid poll published on December 30 showed that the percentage of voters who intended to vote for the Liberal Party fell to 16 percent, the worst level since Trudeau came to power, while the Prime Minister’s dissatisfaction rating, according to the poll “Trudeau Trackr”, was at an all-time high of 74 percent.

The surprise resignation on December 16 of Chrystie Freeland, a former finance minister who was once a close aide to the prime minister, following disputes with Trudeau over government spending, prompted renewed calls for her to step down from both the opposition and her own party.

After Freeland’s move, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said on Dec. 20 that his party intended to withdraw its support for Trudeau or the Liberal Party. Singh has promised that his party’s electoral bloc will consider bringing down the government when parliament resumes in late January, likely leading to early elections.