US President-elect Donald Trump commented on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation and reiterated his call for Canada to join the US as its 51st state.
The soon-to-e US President took to his Truth Social social media platform to write: "Many people in Canada love being the 51st state. The United States can no longer suffer the massive trade deficits and subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat. Justin Trudeau knew this and resigned. If Canada merged with the U.S., there would be no tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be totally secure from the threat of the Russian and Chinese ships that are constantly surrounding them. Together, what a great nation it would be!"
Earlier on Monday, Trudeau said he would resign as the leader of the Liberal Party and as Prime Minister as soon as a new candidate is found for the post. Trudeau said that he had spoken to the Liberal Party president to start looking for a new prime ministerial candidate.
He announced that Parliament, originally scheduled to resume on January 27, would be suspended until March 24, allowing time for the Liberal Party's leadership race. Trudeau had planned to run for a fourth term in next year's election but quit amid mounting challenges.
"I intend to resign as party leader and as Prime Minister after the party chooses the next leader. If I have to fight internal battles I can't be a good candidate. I have asked the Liberal Part president to search for a new candidate for the post of prime minister," he said.
Indian-origin Anita Anand, a lawmaker who is the minister in charge of transportation and internal trade, is among the top contenders for the prime minister's post.
(By arrangement with livemint.com)