Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau may soon announce his intention to step down, although no final decision has been made, according to a source familiar with his plans.
Reuters reported on Sunday, citing this anonymous source, following a Globe and Mail article suggesting Trudeau could reveal his resignation as early as Monday. Trudeau, who has led the ruling Liberal Party for nine years, is reportedly weighing his options amid mounting political pressure.
The Globe and Mail stated that Liberal lawmakers are increasingly calling for Trudeau’s resignation after a series of poor polling results left the party trailing the opposition Conservatives ahead of an election due by October.
The timing of the announcement remains uncertain, but it is expected to precede an emergency meeting of Liberal lawmakers scheduled for Wednesday.
The source told Reuters that Trudeau’s departure would leave the Liberals without a permanent leader during a critical period. It is also unclear whether he would step down immediately or stay on until the party elects a new leader.
Trudeau assumed leadership of the Liberals in 2013, rescuing the party from its historical low of third place in the House of Commons. His resignation could trigger calls for a snap election to establish a stable government capable of navigating relations with the administration of newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump.
