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.
ÖREBRO, SWEDEN — The suspect in Sweden’s worst mass shooting, which left ten people dead at Campus Risbergska in Örebro, has been identified as 35-year-old Rickard Andersson.
Authorities confirmed that Andersson took his own life shortly after the attack.
Details about Andersson’s background are beginning to emerge as investigators search for answers to the central question: Why?
According to a close family member, Andersson showed signs of withdrawal during his final years in elementary school.
Classmates reportedly nicknamed him “Luvan” due to his habit of frequently wearing a hood and covering his face with his hand.
“He didn’t seem to have any friends at all,” the relative said, reflecting on Andersson’s isolated adult life.
On Tuesday, Andersson is believed to have entered Campus Risbergska, an adult education center in Örebro, and opened fire, resulting in ten fatalities.
After carrying out the attack, he is suspected of having turned the gun on himself, ending his own life.
Campus Risbergska serves a diverse student population, including many adult learners and immigrants, offering courses in vocational training, Swedish language instruction, and programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Swedish authorities have launched an extensive investigation to uncover Andersson’s motives, which remain unclear.
Officials have not disclosed whether he had any connection to the school or the victims.
“This is a dark day for Sweden,” said Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who described the massacre as an unprecedented act of violence in the country’s history.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer confirmed that Andersson was not known to police prior to the attack, and investigators are working to determine whether he acted alone or had any affiliations that might have influenced the shooting.
The shooting has left the Örebro community—and the entire nation—in shock. Memorials and vigils are being organized, as grief-stricken families, friends, and classmates mourn the lives lost in the tragedy.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward as they continue to piece together the timeline of events leading up to the attack. Additional updates will be provided as the investigation develops.