New Delhi:

Justin Trudeau, Canada’s 23rd prime minister and leader of the Liberal Party for more than a decade, announced his resignation on Monday, marking the end of a nearly nine-year term. In a packed news conference in Ottawa, the 53-year-old leader reflected on his successes, challenges and a unique regret that he says continues to weigh on him as the country heads toward the next general election this year.

“If I have any regrets, especially as we approach this election, I’ll probably regret a lot of the things that come to mind. But I wish we could have changed the way we elect our governments in this country so that people could just vote a second election or a third election on the same ballot,” Trudeau said.

Trudeau’s resignation comes as the Liberal Party struggles with declining poll numbers, internal discord and a resurgent Conservative opposition led by Pierre Poilievre. Trudeau acknowledged the challenges facing his party and leadership are insurmountable as Canada prepares for a crucial election later this year.

“This country deserves a real choice in the next election,” Trudeau said, “and I have realized that if I have to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in this election.”

When he led the Liberals to victory for the first time in 2015, Trudeau was hailed as a progressive torchbearer who promised “sunny paths” and championed causes such as climate change and gender equality. His youthful charisma and household name — he is the son of former prime minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau — helped him build a global profile and a strong domestic mandate.

Facing mounting criticism over his handling of key issues such as the rising cost of living and discontent within his own party, Trudeau chose to retire rather than face what would prove a painful election campaign.

The announcement followed the surprise resignation of his Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland late last year. Freeland accused him of relying on “political games” to woo voters while neglecting long-term economic stability.

Adding to Trudeau’s problems were catastrophic approval ratings. Recent polls have shown the Liberal Party trailing the Conservatives by more than 20 points. Many Canadians have expressed frustration over economic hardships, including rising housing costs and inflation.

The rise of the right

As Trudeau and his party struggle with low ratings, the influence of right-wing populism has grown under Pierre Poilievre’s leadership of the Conservative Party. Poilievre is a vocal critic of Trudeau’s economic and social policies.

In a statement following Trudeau’s announcement, Poilievre claimed his campaign theme was to “take back control of Canada’s borders, finances and national priorities.” “We will limit spending, cut taxes, reward work, build homes, stop crime, secure borders and put Canada first,” he said in a video message to supporters.

Trudeau, for his part, warned of the rise of Poilievre’s conservatism, describing it as a threat to Canada’s progress on issues such as climate change and social justice. “It makes no sense to stop the fight against climate change,” Trudeau said. “Backing down on the diversity and values ​​that have always brought Canadians together is not the right path for this country. People would have looked for common ground instead of polarizing and dividing Canadians against each other.”

What’s next?

Trudeau’s decision to step down sets the stage for a leadership race within the Liberal Party. There is already speculation about potential candidates, including former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor Mark Carney, current foreign minister Meanie Joly and Freeland herself, despite her recent criticism of Trudeau.

The party’s state executive board is expected to meet this week to outline the process for selecting a new leader, a competition that could take months. Trudeau has received permission from Canada’s governor general to suspend parliamentary proceedings until March 24 to give the Liberals time to regroup before facing the opposition in the House of Commons.