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Canada, Mark Carney favourite to succeed Trudeau as head of government

The former Central Bank governor is in pole position to take the reins of the Liberal Party and challenge Pierre Poilievre at a time of high tensions with Donald Trump’s United States

Former Central Bank governor Mark Carney seems the favourite to succeed Justin Trudeau as leader of the Liberal Party and future premier of Canada. Trudeau stepped down in January, and today the party is being called upon to choose a new leader at a time of great political instability, exacerbated by recent trade tensions with the United States under President Donald Trump.

Carney, 59, has a long international career behind him that has seen him lead both the Canadian and British central banks. In a context where Trump has repeatedly threatened Canada with tariffs on key products such as timber and dairy products, Carney has emerged as a figure of stability and competence, ready to counter the populist and aggressive rhetoric that Trump and his supporters, including Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, have adopted.

Canada, driven by a wave of nationalism in response to Trump’s economic threats and his desire to annex the country as a ‘51st state’, could see an early election, which was scheduled for October. Carney could call them as soon as he is appointed leader to capitalise on the growing discontent with American interference.

Poilievre, backed by Trump and the Maga movement, poses as a populist rival, promising radical policies such as cutting taxes and reducing funding to the public media. However, his rhetoric, heavily influenced by Trump’s agenda, could alienate much of the Canadian electorate, which is concerned about the impact of US policies on Canada.

The other main Liberal leadership candidate is Chrystia Freeland, former deputy premier and negotiator of the new Nafta, who, however, has less chance of success, having been closely linked to Trudeau during his term.

With his financial experience and reassuring style, Carney represents a similar figure to Mario Draghi, offering Canada competent leadership at a critical time for the country, threatened both economically and politically by international pressure.

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