Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing pushback from within his own party, with several Liberal lawmakers urging him not to seek a fourth term. They have given him a deadline of October 28 to make his decision. According to reports from news agency AP, some Liberal MPs warned that Trudeau "must leave by October 28" or face unspecified consequences.
A smiling Trudeau said Liberals are “strong and united” after meeting with Liberal members of Parliament for three hours. Three Liberals said they were among a total of 20 plus lawmakers from the party to have signed a letter asking Trudeau to step down before the next election, reported AP.
There are 153 Liberals in Canada’s House of Commons.
"He has to start listening, listening to the people," said Ken McDonald, a Liberal Member of Parliament from Newfoundland who said he signed the letter, which has not been made public.
McDonald, who is not running again, said a few of his colleagues who are planning on contesting in the upcoming elections are nervous because of poor polling numbers and Liberals' dropping popularity.
Trudeau, who previously has said he plans to run again, didn not take questions from reporters after the meeting. Notably, no Canadian prime minister has won four straight terms in over 100 years.
"There is what would you call some palace drama going on right now. And that takes us away from the number one job, which is focusing on Canadians," said Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault, a Liberal Party member. Not all Liberal members of Parliament came out in support of Trudeau.
"It’s the decision of the leader of the party as to whether he stays on as leader," said Ontario Liberal lawmaker Yvan Baker said, as reported by AP.
Charles Sousa, a Liberal Member of Parliament representing a suburban Toronto constituency, stated that Trudeau is currently reflecting on the situation. He also clarified that he did not sign the letter.
"Trudeau made it very clear that he feels he’s the right choice but he appreciates all of what is being said," Sousa said. "I respect his decision, whatever that may be."
Trudeau's Liberal Party recently faced setbacks in special elections in two long-held districts, Toronto and Montreal, raising doubts on his leadership.
(With inputs from Associated Press)