Trump conditions the elections in Canada

The current prime minister has asked for a strong mandate to use in negotiating tariffs with the hostile southern neighbor, on which he depends for up to 20% of the country's GDP in the form of exports.

Donald Trump's chaotic emergence onto the global geopolitical scene could not only bring about a paradigm shift in the economy, as the International Monetary Fund anticipates, but also alter political balances. Initially, in the blocs formed in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the current White House resident has substantially changed the unequivocal position of his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden, in defense of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the attacked country.

Trump's rapprochement with Russian autocrat Vladimir Putin puts the European Union in an awkward position, having been sidelined by Washington in negotiations to settle the conflict. It also compels other Western countries, which, like the Europeans, must confront the hostility displayed by the American president. And not only in the economic sphere, but also in the political and institutional spheres, as the Republican administration shamelessly displays its aspiration to influence their internal dynamics.

Canada stands out in this group, which is holding early elections today and, since Trump returned to power, has had to endure provocations such as calling its former prime minister, Justin Trudeau, a "governor" or proposing that it become the 51st state of the Union.

The result has been a rekindling of Canadian nationalism, which could influence the results at the polls. Mark Carney, the candidate of the ruling Liberal Party, is the favorite, even though polls predicted inevitable defeat just a few months ago. The current prime minister has asked for a strong mandate to use in the negotiations over tariffs with the hostile southern neighbor, on which he depends for up to 20% of the country's GDP in the form of exports.