Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing growing calls for his resignation, just weeks after his finance minister Chrystia Freeland abruptly stepped down amidst a dispute over trade tariffs with the incoming U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Trudeau's approval ratings have dipped below 30% this year, signaling a decline in public support.
The recent crisis comes on the heels of Freeland's resignation, a move interpreted by some as a loss of confidence in Trudeau's ability to navigate the potential trade war with the Trump administration. The President-elect has threatened tariffs on Canadian goods, potentially impacting the Canadian economy.
Trudeau's political trajectory, marked by an initial surge in popularity, is now facing significant headwinds. His tenure, however, has been marked by controversy, including a 2019 blackface scandal that significantly damaged his image and eroded public trust. The controversy stemmed from photos and videos surfacing of Trudeau in blackface during his youth.
The political landscape for Trudeau has further complicated by the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic challenges, including significant inflation. Trudeau's minority government in 2019, along with other factors such as booming immigration and soaring housing prices, have all contributed to the current political climate.
In a further blow to the prime minister's standing, Freeland's departure came just hours before the release of Canada's economic plan, raising questions about the Trudeau government's preparedness to face the Trump administration. Trump's past rhetoric and actions toward Canada have fueled concerns about a potentially contentious relationship. The comments Trump made about Trudeau, calling him "Governor Justin Trudeau of the great state of Canada," are seen as further signals of an expected difficult relationship.
Reports suggest Trudeau may announce his resignation as early as this week, marking a significant shift in Canadian political leadership and an end to a decade in office. The timing of the potential resignation adds further intrigue to the unfolding political drama.
