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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is reportedly expected to step down as leader of the ruling Liberal Party on Monday (January 6), however, will remain in his position until a new leader is chosen, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to CNN.
Trudeau, who has led the Liberal Party for 11 years and prime minister for nine, is expected to make his public announcement during a news conference scheduled to be held at 10:45 a.m. ET. The reported decision comes amid several crises including the resignation of several key allies, including Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, plummeting polling numbers and President-elect Donald Trump's tariff threats.
Trudeau's reported resignation would be viewed as choosing to leave before being forced out with a general election set to be held later this year. The Liberal Party would be without a permanent leader in the election in which they are already projected to lose badly to the opposing Conservative Party, which is currently led by Pierre Poilievre.
The general election must be held on or before October 20, however, could be brought forward following Trudeau's reported resignation. The Liberal Party national executive, which controls leadership issues, is scheduled to hold a meeting at some point this week, likely after a caucus is held.