Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is navigating one of the most turbulent moments of his political career as calls for his resignation grow louder following the shock departure of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. The sudden resignation has intensified speculation over Trudeau’s ability to maintain his grip on power and the future of his Liberal Party.

Freeland, who also served as Deputy Prime Minister, stepped down on Monday after a heated clash with Trudeau over key policy issues, including Canada’s response to looming U.S. tariffs under President-elect Donald Trump. In her resignation letter, Freeland described Trudeau’s push for increased spending as a “political gimmick” that risks undermining Canada’s economic stability at a critical time. Her exit has destabilized the Liberal Party and dealt a severe blow to Trudeau’s leadership.

The crisis has sent shockwaves through Canadian politics, with Trudeau’s approval ratings plummeting. Recent polls reveal that nearly two-thirds of Canadians are dissatisfied with his leadership, while the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, has surged ahead. Analysts suggest that if a federal election were held today, the Conservatives could secure a decisive victory.

Pressure from within the Liberal Party is adding to Trudeau’s woes. Reports indicate that at least 18 Liberal MPs have openly called for his resignation, while internal sources suggest that up to 50 of the party’s 153 MPs support a change in leadership. This internal rebellion has further weakened Trudeau’s position, fueling speculation about his next move.

The Liberal Party’s minority status in Parliament has left Trudeau reliant on the support of the New Democratic Party (NDP) to maintain power. However, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has announced plans to introduce a motion of no confidence in the new year, potentially triggering an early election. Such a move could spell disaster for Trudeau, whose party currently trails in public opinion polls.

As the political crisis deepens, Trudeau faces three possible paths:

He could resign, allowing the Liberal Party to elect a new leader and regroup ahead of the next election. This option would offer a chance to restore confidence within the party but risks signaling defeat.

Alternatively, Trudeau might call for an early election, betting on a resurgence of public support. However, with the Conservatives enjoying a significant lead in the polls, this strategy could backfire, leading to a Liberal loss.

Finally, Trudeau could choose to stay and fight, attempting to weather the storm and reclaim his footing. He has hinted at reflecting on his political future during the winter break, suggesting he is not yet prepared to relinquish power.

As Canada watches the unfolding drama, the stakes for Trudeau and the Liberal Party have never been higher. The outcome of this political battle will not only determine Trudeau’s legacy but could also reshape the country’s political landscape for years to come.