Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, has resigned as leader of the ruling Liberal Party. His decision is attributed to internal fights and polarisation.
Since 2015, Trudeau has been in power and said he would remain until the party selects its next leader.
He resigned following calls from within his own party and declining popularity.
The resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland last month added to Trudeau's pressure.
Her resignation was unexpected due to concerns over the Trudeau administration's approach to United States President-elect Donald Trump's projected 25% increase in import tariffs on Canadian goods.
Front-runners to replace Trudeau include former and current finance ministers Freeland and Dominic LeBlanc, as well as Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly.
Trudeau's resignation has significant implications for Canadian politics and the economy.
The Canadian dollar briefly surged in early trading following the news, reflecting higher confidence in Canada's economy with new leadership on the way.
However, the political upheaval comes at a challenging time for Canada, with threats of increased tariffs from the U.S. and internal economic struggles.
Trudeau's departure marks the end of an era globally.
He has been a vocal advocate for feminist causes and international rules, but his actions sometimes fall short of his rhetoric.
Analysts note that Trudeau boosted Canada's focus on the Indo-Pacific region and stood up for Ukraine. However, his tenure was also marked by challenges in international relations and criticism for not doing enough to counter Russia's influence.
As Canada prepares for a leadership transition, the impact on global politics and the economy remains to be seen.
The newly appointed leader will manage the country's relationship with the U.S. They will also address internal economic issues, and Canada's position on the world stage.
The upcoming election, expected later this year, will be a critical moment for the country as it seeks to chart the right course under new leadership.
“We commend Prime Minister Trudeau for his commitment to reconciliation and fostering dialogue with First Nations,” said The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy. “However, we urge the next leader to prioritise transformative change and address the critical issues still affecting our communities.”