'Stepping down as PM': Trudeau out after 9 yrs

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on Monday in the face of rising discontent over his leadership, and after the abrupt departure of his finance minister signaled growing turmoil within his government, bringing to an end a tenure that began in October 2015.

- Anirudh Bhattacharyya

"I intend to resign as leader of the Liberal Party, and as Prime Minister after the party elects its next leader following a robust process," he announced.

Immediate elections, as demanded by the opposition, are not likely as Trudeau has sought that Parliament be prorogued till March 24, obviating the possibility of facing a no-confidence vote in the session that was scheduled to commence on January 27.

Trudeau met Governor General Mary Simon to secure the prorogation prior to appearing for a press conference outside his residence at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa.

He said he had asked the president of the Liberal Party on Sunday evening to start the process for the election of the next leader. "If I'm having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election," he said. An official familiar with the matter said Parliament, which had been due to resume January 27, will be suspended until March 24. The timing will allow for a Liberal Party leadership race. All three main opposition

parties have said they plan to topple the Liberal Party in a no-confidence vote when Parliament resumes, so a spring election to pick a permanent replacement was almost assured. “I’m a fighter,” Trudeau said,

adding it had become “obvious” to him he cannot be the one to carry the Liberal standard into the next Federal elections. He said he had informed his