World
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces resignation after 9 years in power
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his decision to step down as the leader of the Liberal Party and, subsequently, as Canada’s prime minister.
Speaking from Rideau Cottage in Ottawa on Monday, Trudeau revealed that his resignation will take effect once the Liberal Party selects a new leader through a comprehensive national process.
“I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide, competitive process,” Trudeau stated.
Trudeau, 53, who has served as Canada’s 23rd prime minister since 2015, expressed his deep commitment to the country and its citizens.
“I’m a fighter. Every bone in my body has always told me to fight because I care deeply about Canadians. I care deeply about this country, and I will always be motivated by what is in the best interest of Canadians,” he said during his address.
The announcement comes on the heels of recent turbulence within Trudeau’s government. Last month, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned, citing differences with Trudeau over how to address challenges posed by the incoming U.S. administration under President-elect Donald Trump.
Freeland, in a public letter announcing her resignation, highlighted concerns about Trump’s proposed aggressive economic nationalism, including potential tariffs on Canadian imports.
“Our country today faces a grave challenge,” Freeland wrote. “The incoming administration in the United States is pursuing a policy of aggressive economic nationalism, including a threat of 25 percent tariffs. We need to take that threat extremely seriously.”
She emphasized the importance of resisting “costly political gimmicks” and forming a unified “Team Canada response” to the challenge. Freeland also noted that Trudeau had asked her to step down as finance minister but offered her another role in the Cabinet, which she declined.
Following Freeland’s departure, Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, assumed her responsibilities as finance minister. Additionally, Housing Minister Sean Fraser recently announced his decision not to seek reelection, citing personal reasons and a desire to spend more time with family.
These resignations coincide with declining public support for Trudeau’s Liberal Party. Recent polls indicate the party is at its lowest level of support in years, trailing the Conservative Party by a significant 21-point margin ahead of the federal election, which must be held by October 20.
Justin Trudeau’s tenure as prime minister marked nearly a decade of leadership during pivotal moments for Canada, including navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing climate change, and advocating for social equity. His decision to resign mirrors the path of his father, former Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, who also retired from politics before a subsequent election after serving as prime minister from 1968 to 1979 and from 1980 to 1984.
As Trudeau prepares to step away from leadership, the Liberal Party faces the task of rebuilding under new direction while addressing challenges and preparing for the upcoming federal election.
GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR — A powerful car bomb detonated near Mall del Sol in Guayaquil resulting in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries, according to local authorities.
The blast, which sent shockwaves across the bustling commercial district, is being investigated as a possible terror or organized crime-related attack amid Ecuador’s ongoing struggle with rising gang violence.
The explosion occurred near one of the main entrances of Mall del Sol, one of Guayaquil’s largest and busiest shopping centers, located in the north of the city.
Witnesses described a scene of chaos and destruction as a vehicle parked along the roadside suddenly erupted into flames, sending a massive fireball and thick black smoke into the air.
Surveillance footage and videos shared on social media captured the moment of the detonation, showing debris flying across the street as nearby cars were engulfed by the blast.
Several storefronts and vehicles in the vicinity were heavily damaged, and windows shattered across multiple nearby buildings.
Initial reports from emergency responders indicate that several people were killed, and multiple others sustained serious injuries.
The exact number of casualties has not yet been officially confirmed as rescue operations continue.
Firefighters, police, and medical teams quickly arrived at the scene, cordoning off the area and extinguishing the burning vehicles. Paramedics transported the injured to nearby hospitals, while authorities evacuated the surrounding area to ensure public safety.
Officials from Ecuador’s National Police and Armed Forces have launched an immediate investigation into the attack. Early indications suggest that explosives were deliberately placed inside a parked vehicle, though authorities have not yet disclosed details about the type of device used or any possible suspects.
The Attorney General’s Office and anti-terrorism units are leading the forensic examination of the blast site. Authorities have increased security across Guayaquil and other major Ecuadorian cities, fearing possible coordinated attacks.
Ecuador’s Minister of the Interior condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly act of violence intended to spread fear among citizens.” The government pledged to bring those responsible to justice and reaffirmed its commitment to restoring security amid escalating gang-related violence in the region.
Residents are urged to avoid the Mall del Sol area as the investigation remains active.
Further updates are expected as officials release more information on the number of victims and the circumstances leading up to the explosion.