An era ends in Canada. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister since 2015, announced at a press conference that he is stepping down as leader of the Liberal Party, which he has led since 2013. He will remain in office as Prime Minister until a new leader is chosen.

The move is dictated by the crisis of his minority government , with the exit of the NDP party that supported him externally and the resignation of the deputy prime minister and finance minister Chrystia Freeland, in dissent over the response to Donald Trump's threat of tariffs.

With his exit, Trudeau likely ends his political career.

" If I have to fight internal battles within the party, I cannot be the best option for the next election (expected in October, ed.)," Trudeau said. "I am a fighter. Every bone in my body has always told me to fight because I care deeply about Canadians. I care deeply about this country and I will always be motivated by what is in its best interest," the prime minister added.

Justin Trudeau has announced that the Canadian Parliament is adjourning until March 24. He is aiming to avoid a general election while the Liberals choose a new leader .

Two women are the favourites to succeed her: the current Foreign Minister, Melanie July, and the former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland .

Trudeau's government was rocked by Freeland's surprise resignation just hours before he was due to deliver his annual fiscal update. In his scathing farewell letter, he criticized Trudeau's "political tricks," words that certainly helped precipitate his exit.

Also among the candidates is former central banker Mark Carney , whom Trudeau himself has admitted to having long sought to recruit to his team, most recently as finance minister. The 59-year-old, who in recent months has served as a special adviser to the prime minister, and a Harvard graduate, has never held public office, but has solid economic experience.