Carney's European visit: friendly reception despite the trade war with Trump

Carney's European visit: friendly reception despite the trade war with Trump

Mark Carney, Canada's new prime minister, was warmly welcomed in Europe during his first visit abroad as head of government in Europe on Monday. This is in a strong contrast to the enemy attitude that US President Donald Trump has taken over Canada. Carney started his office on Friday and elected France as the goal for his first official visit. The happy President Emmanuel Macron received him in Paris. On the same day, Carney will also visit London.

a symbol for European values ​​

At a joint press conference in the Élysée Palace, Carney switched between French and English and emphasized that Canada was "the most European among non-European countries". He promised to be a "reliable, trustworthy and strong partner". Macron praised Canada to "stand on the side" of France and Europe, and expressed his joy about the visit: "We welcome a friend and we receive you with great joy."

tense relationships with the USA

The friendly reception of Carney in Paris falls at a time when Canada's relationships with the United States are at a low point. Since Trump's return to the White House, this draconian tariff has imposed the Canadian economy and demanded that Canada become the 51st state of the United States. He also released former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by repeating him as "governors".

a new plan for the liberals

Carney said that he was ready to meet the USA "under conditions that protect the respect for Canadian sovereignty". In addition to the negotiations with Trump, Carney, who previously did not hold a public office in Canada, will lead the liberal party to the next national elections that will take place this year.

renaissance of the liberals

Before Trump's return, the liberals, who were in power for almost a decade, were energy -free and without ideas. Surveys pointed out to a severe defeat against the conservatives led by Pierre Poilievre. But Trump's threats in relation to Canada's economy and sovereignty triggered a remarkable renewal of the liberals and made the upcoming elections more interesting than was the case a few weeks ago.

international conversations and challenges

Since taking office, Carney has had discussions with the Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj about the war in Ukraine, as well as with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, through Brussels plans to finance European upgrading in the face of falling and uncertain US military support.

visit to London and previous experiences

At the press conference in Paris, Carney Macron praised as a "man of the crime" who helped the continent during the security crisis. "You have to act in the middle of a crisis. Unfortunately we are in the middle of an economic and geopolitical crisis. But if you act, the focus must be on values: sovereignty, solidarity, dynamics and sustainability. These values ​​are important to us," said Carney.

On Monday, Carney will also visit London to speak to Prime Minister Keir Strander and meet King Charles III. to prevent. Carney will be known to many in Great Britain because he worked as a governor of England from 2013 to 2020 and supervised the long recovery after the 2008 financial crisis before he put his office on the threshold for Covid 19 pandemy.

return to a new context

Max Foster from CNN contributed to this report.