Mudslinger maestro Trudeau steps down

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned on Monday as leader of the Liberal Party after nearly a decade at its helm.

While stepping down as party leader, Trudeau will remain in office as prime minister until a successor is chosen. The Liberal Party plans to hold a grassroots election to determine its next leader.

Trudeau's resignation follows weeks of mounting internal pressure within his party and growing public dissatisfaction over his leadership amid ongoing crises.

His handling of economic and trade challenges – particularly US President-elect Donald Trump's threat to inflict significant tariffs on Canadian goods was a significant factor in his decision. With the close economic ties between Canada and the US, the looming prospect of a trade war had cast a shadow over Trudeau's government.

At 53, Trudeau admitted he felt unable to lead the party into the next election, stating, "I cannot be the one to carry the Liberal standard into the next election."

Speaking outside Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, he also announced that Parliament would be prorogued until March 24 to focus on urgent matters, including negotiations on trade with the U.S.