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.
World
Counter-Terrorism Police Identify Suspect in Manchester Synagogue Attack as 35-year-old Jihad al Shamie
Manchester, UK – Counter-terrorism police have formally identified the man responsible for today’s deadly attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester as Jihad al Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent.
Al Shamie was shot and killed by armed officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) after he rammed his car into worshippers and began stabbing individuals gathered for Yom Kippur services.
Authorities confirmed that two people were killed and several others injured, including a synagogue security guard. Four victims are being treated for injuries caused by both the vehicle collision and stab wounds.
According to initial reports from the Press Association, al Shamie’s name does not currently appear in existing police or security service counter-terrorism records, and he was not under active investigation prior to the attack. Further database checks are ongoing to determine whether his details appear in any other historical inquiries.
Earlier in the day, GMP stated that the attacker’s identity was known to them but could not be publicly confirmed at the time due to “safety reasons at the scene.” Bomb disposal units had been deployed because of suspicious items found on the suspect’s body, including a possible explosive device.
09:31 BST – GMP received reports of a car ramming into congregants outside the synagogue in the Crumpsall area of Manchester, approximately four miles from the city centre.
The attacker exited the vehicle armed with a knife and assaulted multiple victims before being confronted by firearms officers.
Dramatic video footage from bystanders shows police aiming weapons at the suspect, who was on the ground, before he attempted to rise. Officers fired additional shots, fatally wounding him.
In the same footage, another individual can be seen lying near the synagogue gates in a pool of blood, while police shouted warnings about a potential bomb.
The incident has been declared a major terrorist incident. GMP confirmed that the “immediate danger appears to be over,” but the area remains sealed off while forensic officers, counter-terrorism investigators, and explosives experts conduct searches.
Political and community leaders have strongly condemned the attack:
- Kemi Badenoch, Conservative Party leader, described it as “an outrageous attack on the Jewish community on their holiest day – vile and disgusting.”
- Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham told BBC Radio Manchester it is “believed” the suspect is dead, though formal confirmation is pending, and reassured residents that the immediate threat has been contained.
- King Charles III and Queen Camilla issued a statement expressing that they were “deeply shocked and saddened” by the assault, adding: “Especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident, and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services.”
Counter-terrorism detectives are working to establish al Shamie’s background, potential motives, and whether he had any connections to extremist groups. Officials stressed that at this stage, he is believed to have acted alone.
GMP and national security agencies remain on high alert and have urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid the affected area, and report any suspicious activity immediately.