Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Announces Resignation

I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide competitive process.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday morning announcing his decision to resign as Liberal Party leader and prime minister. PM Trudeau will serve in office until March 24.

Why It Matters: Prime Minister Trudeau, 53, began serving in his position in 2015, and on Monday morning the 23rd prime minister of Canada announced his resignation, calling for a new session of Parliament to begin March 24 (rather than the original Jan. 27 start date) so that the Liberal Party can elect a new leader. Canada will hold a general election in mid October.

Big Picture: Prime Minister Trudeau has faced increased disapproval in recent years, with a large shake-up to his government occurring last month when his finance minister abruptly resigned. In a press conference on Monday (held outside during temperatures hovering around 10 degrees Fahrenheit), Prime Minister Trudeau called for a reset in politics and said the Canadian government has been “entirely seized” by obstruction and lack of productivity. He also noted the current Liberal Party is the longest-serving minority government.

This is a developing story. Check back more for updates.

Read More: Live updates: Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau resigns as Liberal Party leader (The Associated Press)

Justin Trudeau says he’ll resign as prime minister of Canada (ABC News)

Image Credit: Sean Kilpatrick / The Canadian Press via AP