Trudeau faces party pressure to step down by October 28
Over 20 Liberal MPs demand Trudeau resign before next election
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is encountering resistance within his party as multiple Liberal lawmakers urge him not to seek a fourth term. They have given him until October 28 to decide. Some Liberal MPs have warned that Trudeau must step down by this date or face unspecified consequences.
After meeting with several party members, Trudeau claimed that the Liberals are “strong and united,” despite the deadline set by about 20 MPs suggesting otherwise. Three Liberals confirmed they were among over 20 lawmakers who signed a letter asking Trudeau to resign before the next election.
Ken McDonald, a Liberal MP from Newfoundland, acknowledged that he signed the letter, which remains unpublished. McDonald mentioned that many colleagues, who plan to run in the upcoming elections, are worried due to low polling numbers and the declining popularity of the Liberals. McDonald himself will not seek re-election.
Who thinks that rather than stepping down by Oct 28 the PM calls an election to force his caucus to "unite" behind him one more time? After all he has "earned" one more chance. https://t.co/GLchRrfRRi
— Barry W. Bussey (@barrywbussey) October 23, 2024
During the three-hour Liberal caucus meeting, the letter was read to Trudeau. It presented arguments for his resignation and urged him not to pursue a fourth term, insisting on an October 28 deadline. Trudeau, who has expressed his intention to run again, did not take questions from reporters after the meeting. No Canadian prime minister has secured four consecutive terms in over a century.
Recent special elections in Toronto and Montreal, where the Liberals lost long-held districts, have further questioned Trudeau’s leadership. Trudeau has yet to respond to the letter but indicated he is considering the demands.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Radio Canada International reports Liberal MPs issue ultimatum to Justin Trudeau, demanding a decision to stay or go by October 28 amidst internal party pressure and electoral losses.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why are Liberal lawmakers urging Trudeau not to seek a fourth term?
Due to low polling numbers and declining popularity.
What is the deadline given to Trudeau by the Liberal MPs?
October 28.
How did Trudeau describe the state of the Liberal party after the meeting?
He claimed the Liberals are ‘strong and united.’
Did Trudeau respond to the letter asking him to resign?
He has indicated he is considering the demands but has not formally responded.
Have the Liberals recently lost any significant elections?
Yes, in special elections in Toronto and Montreal.
