Refer Report

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is now facing a vote of confidence in the House of Commons after the progressive New Democratic Party (NDP), which has been running the government in coalition with the ruling Liberal Party, withdrew its support.

According to Reuters, AFP, and others, on the 4th (local time), NDP Leader Jugmeet Singh announced in a video posted on social media that he would withdraw his support for the center-left Liberal Party led by Prime Minister Trudeau. Singh said, “The Liberal Party is too weak, too selfish, and too obsessed with corporate interests to fight for the people,” and announced that he would run for the prime ministership in the next election.

The Liberal Party, which won the early election in 2021 and is continuing its third term in power, failed to secure a majority of seats on its own. Since 2022, it has secured its position in the House of Commons by forming a policy coalition with the third-largest opposition party, the NDP, and building a cooperative system. However, Leader Singh has recently expressed dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Trudeau, pointing out that the Liberal Party has not responded properly to high food prices.

The main opposition Conservative Party will be able to push for a vote of confidence in Prime Minister Trudeau in the House of Commons, which opens on the 16th. Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre is arguing that the Liberal-NDP coalition is driving up prices and that an early general election should be held. If all goes as planned, the Canadian general election will be held in October next year.

However, the NDP said it would decide on a case-by-case basis whether to support the Liberals in the future, suggesting it could provide a shield if Prime Minister Trudeau faces a vote of no confidence.

Prime Minister Trudeau said of the possibility of an early election, “The election will be held next year,” adding, “I hope we don’t have to hold it until the fall.” He added, “I hope the NDP will focus on Canadians rather than politics, as they have done over the past few years.”

According to AFP, the Canadian House of Commons is currently comprised of 154 Liberal seats, 119 Conservative seats, 32 Bloc Quebecois seats, 24 NDP seats, 2 Green Party seats, and 3 Independents. Four seats are vacant.

Source: Korean