European Far-Right Parties Demand "Border Control"... Global Political Landscape Shaken by COVID-19

Far-Right Parties in Italy's Neighboring Countries Raise Calls for Border Control
Goldman Sachs: "If 2nd Quarter US Economic Indicators Worsen, Trump's Reelection at Risk"
Iran Vice President Infected with COVID-19... Public Anxiety Rises Amid Mask Shortage

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] As fears of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) spread, the global political landscape has begun to shake. U.S. President Donald Trump, who seemed poised for an easy reelection thanks to the U.S. economic boom, is now wavering, and far-right parties in Europe have started to expand their influence. In Iran, members of the national leadership are gripped by infection fears.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

On the 27th (local time), U.S. investment bank Goldman Sachs forecasted that COVID-19 could cast a shadow over President Trump's reelection bid. Ben Steider, a Goldman Sachs analyst, stated in a report, "If COVID-19 causes a significant hit to U.S. economic growth, the Democratic Party's chances of winning the presidential election could increase."

The expectation that President Trump would be easily reelected was due to the U.S. economic boom. The stock market set new records daily, but the possibility of an economic slowdown has increased due to COVID-19. President Trump frequently cited soaring stock prices when boasting about his economic achievements.

CNN also introduced that an economic slowdown could be a fatal blow to a president seeking reelection. Previously, President George H. W. Bush lost to then-candidate Bill Clinton despite political achievements such as victory in the Gulf War, partly due to economic conditions.

An important point to watch in this year's U.S. presidential election is the economic situation in the second quarter. Goldman Sachs explained that, based on past cases, the economic situation in the second quarter serves as a "key predictive variable" for the U.S. presidential election. The economic sentiment felt by the public in November’s election translates into voting behavior.

In Europe, Italy's COVID-19 situation is provoking far-right parties in various countries. Far-right forces in countries bordering Italy, such as France and Switzerland, have begun to raise their voices demanding border controls to prevent the spread of COVID-19. While centrist or established parties seek to maintain the framework of the Schengen Agreement, which is the foundation of the EU, far-right parties are stirring public anxiety by claiming that open borders are causing the spread of COVID-19.

Marine Le Pen, leader of France's National Rally, said, "We're not asking for the moon. At this point, isn't it common sense to control the borders?" The Swiss People's Party argued, "Anyone entering Switzerland must be tested, and sick people should be rejected."

In Iran, the national leadership is directly threatened by COVID-19, and due to U.S. sanctions, obtaining masks is also difficult. There are concerns that this could lead to political instability.

Previously, Shiraz Harirchi, Deputy Minister of Health who was in charge of COVID-19 response, disclosed his infection, and on this day, Masoumeh Ebtekar, Vice President of Iran, was confirmed positive. Vice President Ebtekar, one of four vice presidents, has been responsible for women's affairs.

Moreover, since Vice President Ebtekar reportedly attended meetings chaired by President Hassan Rouhani, there are concerns about further infections within Iran's national leadership. Additionally, at least two active members of parliament in Iran have disclosed their infections. Iranian media officially confirmed that Hadi Khosroshahi, a senior cleric who served as ambassador to the Vatican, died from COVID-19.

In Iran, mask shortages have caused prices to rise more than tenfold. To calm public sentiment, the Iranian government has banned mask exports for three months and ordered manufacturers to increase production.