Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has resigned on Monday. Trudeau, in a media conference in Ottawa, said that he will remain prime minister until his party selects a new leader.
The Canadian Parliament will remain suspended until March 24.
"I intend to resign as party leader and as Prime Minister after the party selects its next leader. Last night I asked the president of the Liberal Party to start that process," Trudeau said in an address.
"The fact is, despite best efforts to work through it, Parliament has been paralysed for months after what has been the longest session of a minority Parliament in Canadian history," he added.
He revealed that he advised the Governor General to prorogue Parliament until March 24, a request that has been granted. Trudeau also spoke about discussions with his family over the holidays, which played a significant role in his decision.
"Over dinner, I told my kids about the decision that I am sharing with you today. This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that I am having to fight internal battles. I cannot be the best option in that election."
Trudeau has served as prime minister since 2015. His resignation follows months of internal pressure within the Liberal Party, which intensified after Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland stepped down on December 16, citing policy disagreements with the prime minister.
Further details on his resignation and the upcoming leadership race are awaited.
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