In a surprising turn of events, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation, stepping down from the country’s top political post. Addressing the nation, Trudeau stated his decision to leave office, marking the end of his tenure as leader of the Liberal Party. Rumors of his resignation had been circulating since the morning, and now, the news has been confirmed.

A Fragile Alliance: Liberal-NDP Agreement Falls Apart

Trudeau’s government has been on shaky ground since the 2021 federal election, when the Liberals secured a minority government. To maintain power, the party entered into a confidence-and-supply agreement with Jagmeet Singh’s New Democratic Party (NDP). Under this arrangement, the NDP supported the government in critical votes, such as confidence motions and budget approvals, in exchange for commitments on key policies like free dental care, pharma-care legislation, and strengthening child care and workers’ rights.

However, cracks in this partnership began to show last year. In September, the NDP withdrew its support, citing Trudeau’s inability to challenge the opposition Conservative Party effectively. Jagmeet Singh, positioning himself as a future prime ministerial contender, justified the split as necessary to prepare for an anticipated Conservative push for cuts in publicly funded services like healthcare.

Adding to Trudeau’s troubles, dissent was brewing within his own party. Several Liberal leaders criticized his approach to key issues, including his controversial stance against India, further isolating him politically.

What Lies Ahead for Canada?

Trudeau’s resignation leaves the Liberal Party at a crossroads. The immediate step will be the selection of an interim leader to guide the party for the remainder of its term. Prominent names, including Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, have emerged as potential successors. Freeland, in particular, has been gaining traction among party members eager for a new direction.

However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. If a no-confidence motion is introduced and passes in the House of Commons, Trudeau’s departure could trigger early elections. With the Liberals lacking a majority in the 338-member parliament and without the NDP’s backing, their hold on power is tenuous.

An Uncertain Political Landscape

Canada now stands on the brink of political upheaval. A no-confidence vote could open the door for the opposition Conservatives to stake their claim or force an early general election. At the same time, the NDP, under Singh’s leadership, is positioning itself as a viable alternative, promising to prioritize healthcare and social services.

For the Liberal Party, Trudeau’s resignation signals the end of an era—and the beginning of a critical rebuilding phase. Whether they can regroup in time to mount a strong defense in the next election remains to be seen.

As the political landscape shifts, Canadians are left wondering: what comes next for their country?