Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau believes that social media and the political right have exacerbated the “culture wars and division” globally, driving an “anti-incumbency movement” against incumbent leaders worldwide. In a recent MSNBC appearance, Trudeau addressed his decision to resign, stating that it was likely a result of a combination of factors, including global trends and his own low approval ratings.
Trudeau attributed the prevailing sentiment against incumbent leaders to social media’s influence, which creates a “frustration” towards those in power. Despite his administration’s accomplishments, including policies aimed at promoting equality and economic growth, Trudeau acknowledged that emotions and social media are dominating public perception of politics.
In response to criticisms that his Liberal Party and the U.S. Democratic Party are “out of touch” with the public, Trudeau emphasized the importance of staying focused on economic issues and pointed to Canada as a success story in ensuring inclusivity and fairness in the workforce.
However, Trudeau also lamented the right’s ability to exploit these perceptions, fueling “culture wars and divisions” that often belie the hard truth of economic data. He claimed that people increasingly crave quick solutions to complex issues, making promises of immediate relief attractive, even if the potential for delivering those results is uncertain.
Over the past year, Trudeau has faced record-low approval ratings and increasing criticism from his own party, largely due to concerns over rising prices and inflation.