Justin Trudeau said on Monday he plans to step down as leader of his governing Liberal Party and as Canada’s prime minister after nearly a decade in power.
Trudeau made the announcement in a speech from his Rideau Cottage residence in Ottawa, after weeks of mounting pressure from inside and outside his party.
He will continue on as prime minister – a position he has held for nine years – until a new party leader is chosen.
“I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its next leader thorugh a robust, nationwide, competitive process,” he said.
“This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.”
Trudeau’s minority government, already deeply unpopular, was dealt a major blow by the resignation of finance minister Chrystia Freeland last month after the two clashed over economic policy.
A general election must be held in Canada by October 20.