Liberal Party of Canada: Trudeau’s successor will be known on March 9

This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:

Hibapress

The next leader of the Liberal Party of Canada (PLC) and Prime Minister will be known on March 9, indicated the national council of the PLC.

The PLC “will be ready to fight and win the 2025 elections,” its president, Sachit Mehra, said in a statement. “This is a time for Liberals across the country to exchange ideas and engage in constructive debate to shape the future of our party and our country – and I encourage all Liberals to help make this exciting step for our party,” he added.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Monday in Ottawa that he is stepping down as leader of the Liberal Party.

Trudeau, whose minority government is weaker than ever, added during a press briefing that he will remain prime minister until his successor is chosen.

Ontario MP Chandra Arya announced his candidacy on Thursday, becoming the second person to do so after former Montreal MP Frank Baylis.

Registration fees have been set at $350,000 and interested people will have until January 23 to formalize their candidacy, underlined the national council of the PLC.

The party decided to tighten the criteria amid concerns about foreign interference. Only Canadian citizens, permanent residents and people with Indian status under the Indian Act will be able to register.

In power since 2015, Trudeau indicated that he met with Governor General Mary Simon who agreed to extend the current parliamentary session until March 24.

The next Canadian federal elections must take place no later than October 20. However, the opposition parties have indicated that they will bring down the government as soon as parliamentary work resumes.