Canada votes - in the shadow of Trump's attacks
A snap election is taking place in Canada today. The campaigning has centred around responses to attacks by US President Donald Trump. The ruling Liberals under Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has been in office since 14 March, have benefited from the political climate. Carney's Conservative opponent Pierre Poilievre is fighting for a change of power after almost a decade of Liberal government.
An all-encompassing issue
European Pravda sees support for the ruling Liberal Party growing:
“The election campaign has shown that voters are concerned about one issue in particular: Canada's response to Trump's aggressive policies. ... Prime Minister Carney has made opposition to Trump a central theme of his campaign. After taking office on 14 March, he initially adopted a diplomatic stance. ... But after the wave of tariffs and insults, his rhetoric changed dramatically. He is now insisting on an 'unprecedented acceleration of investment' in his own country's strength in order to counter external threats. The Liberals' approval ratings have risen steadily in recent weeks against the backdrop of the conflict with Trump.”
New economic model needed
Mediapart warns of an economic crisis:
“The challenge facing the next government is to find a new economic model. However, the economic programmes of the two main parties don't seem to be really up to the job. ... While the Conservatives criticise the Liberals for leaving the country dependent on the US, they themselves helped to create this situation and offer few alternative strategies. The Liberals, for their part, take a firm stance against Washington and talk about closer ties with Europe, but there is no sign of any concrete steps. ... The already weakened Canadian economy must now brace itself for a major crisis.”