Justin Trudeau has announced he will step down after nine years as Canadian prime minister in the face of a mounting set of crises, but stay in office until a replacement party leader is chosen.

By David Ljunggren (Reuters) - Canada's ruling Liberal Party is looking for a new leader to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who announced on Jan. 6 he intended to step down. The Liberal Party will pick a new chief on March 9.

Trudeau, who is facing pressure from members of his own Liberal party to quit ahead of federal elections in Canada later this year, has been a target of frequent attacks from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

Justin Trudeau's leadership has faced significant challenges in the wake of the COVID crisis, leading to a loss of confidence among Canadians from various backgrounds.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be stepping down as party leader and prime minister, he announced during a press conference on Monday.

Trudeau, who has led Canada for nine years as the leader of the governing Liberal Party, has seen his government thrust into turmoil after his finance minister quit last month.View on euronews

Canadian cabinet minister Karina Gould on Saturday said she would take part in the contest to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as leader of the ruling Liberal Party. Gould, 37, becomes the third serious candidate to announce their candidacy.