This Week in Politics
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Resigns
After nearly a decade at the helm of Canadian politics Prime Minister Trudeau has met his match. Under waning support and approval alongside political tumult, including former finance minister Freeland's resignation and the New Democratic Party' backing out of the coalition upholding Mr Trudeau, the prime minister announced his intention to resign once a new leader of the Liberal Party is elected.
"This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it's become clear to me that if I'm having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election," Prime Minister Trudeau said.
Leader of the Opposition and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre responded by criticising the Liberal Party, taking sharp aim at their compliance with policies he said put Canada in an "out-of-control" situation. Mr Poilievre has been pressuring the government for months, including motions of no-confidence, and enjoys strong support in polling.
"Canadians desperate to turn the page on this dark chapter in our history might be relieved today that Justin Trudeau is finally leaving. But what has really changed? Every Liberal MP in power today and every potential Liberal leadership contender fighting for the top job helped Justin Trudeau break the country over the last 9 years," Mr Poilievre said in his statement on Mr Trudeau's resignation.
The leader of the New Democratic Party, Jagmeet Singh, also critiqued the prime minister and Liberal Party, accusing the party of failing Canadians. These are sharp words from a, now presumably, former coalition partner.
"The problem is not just Justin Trudeau. It’s every minister that’s been calling the shots. It’s every Liberal MP that looked down their nose at Canadians who are worried about high costs or crumbling health care. The Liberals do not deserve another chance, no matter who is the leader," Singh stated following attacks on Mr Trudeau.
Prime Minister Trudeau is set to depart, he leaves in strak contrast with his election victory in 2015. Whether liked or unliked Mr Trudeau has been a consequential leader of Canada, shaping the nation's global and federal narrative for nearly an entire decade. His departure marks an end.
Reform UK Councillors Resign
Nigel Farage of Reform UK faces increased pressure to resign following the handing in of their notice by 10 councillors in protest of his leadership. The move follows billionaire Elon Musk's jab at the Reform UK leader, stating "The Reform Party needs a new leader. Farage doesn’t have what it takes." Mr Musk's statement in part derives from far-right activist Tommy Robinson's imprisonment, something Mr Musk disagrees with. The councillors accused Farage of running the party in an “autocratic manner.” Their departure marks a major loss of councillors for Reform UK which has well under 100 councillors nationally.
Vice President Harris Certifies the Election Result
Vice President and Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris has certified the 2024 Presidential Election, reaffirming President-elect Trump's election victory. She joins a group of vice presidents nominated for the presidency that have certified their own election loss; Al Gore in 2001 and Richard Nixon in 1961.
Vice President Harris' statement following the certification:
"Well, today was a — obviously, a very important day, and it was about what should be the norm and what the American people should be able to take for granted, which is that one of the most important pillars of our democracy is that there will be a peaceful transfer of power.
And today, I did what I have done my entire career, which is take seriously the oath that I have taken many times to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, which included, today, performing my constitutional duties to ensure that the people of America, the voters of America will have their votes counted, that those votes matter, and that they will determine, then, the outcome of an election.
I do believe very strongly that America’s democracy is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it — every single person, their willingness to fight for and respect the importance of our democracy. Otherwise, it is very fragile and it will not be able to withstand moments of crisis.
And today, America’s democracy stood."
