Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced he will step down from his position after nine years at the helm of the country, citing internal party challenges.

During a press conference on January 6, Trudeau revealed that he would remain in office until the Liberal Party selects a new leader, with parliament being prorogued until March 24.

“I cannot be the best option in that election if I’m having to fight internal battles,” Trudeau explained. His resignation follows mounting criticism from within his party and plummeting approval ratings, as public discontent grows ahead of the federal elections expected later this year.

The Liberal Party now faces a leadership vacuum, with the party’s president, Sachit Mehra, announcing that the process to select a new leader would begin with a board meeting later this week. Mehra praised Trudeau’s legacy, acknowledging the “transformational progress” his government made for Canadians.

However, opposition leaders wasted no time in seizing the opportunity to attack Trudeau’s record. Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre remarked that despite Trudeau’s resignation, nothing would fundamentally change under a new Liberal leader, accusing the party of attempting to “trick voters” with a change in face while maintaining the same policies.

Trudeau’s resignation comes after a tumultuous period for the Liberal Party, including the abrupt resignation of long-time ally and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland in December. Freeland’s departure, driven by frustration over trade tensions with the U.S. under President Donald Trump, further complicated Trudeau’s leadership.

Trump himself weighed in, claiming that pressure over tariffs was the cause of Trudeau’s resignation, suggesting that Canada should merge with the U.S. to eliminate trade barriers. In Canada, public opinion has turned against Trudeau, with many blaming his leadership for rising housing and food prices and the strain on public services.

Trudeau’s resignation also reflects the declining fortunes of the Liberal Party, which has governed as a minority government since 2019. Following Freeland’s exit, the Liberals lost the support of key partners like the New Democrats and the Bloc Québécois, while the Conservative Party has maintained a commanding lead in recent polls.

The leadership race to replace Trudeau is expected to be competitive, with the Liberal Party’s future direction hanging in the balance. Some, like Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet, have suggested that an early election could follow once the new leader is selected.

With the stage now set for the Liberal Party’s leadership contest, the next chapter in Canadian politics promises to be one of change and uncertainty.