Anthony Albanese, the Australian Prime Minister, has expressed concerns over the rise of populism and far-right movements globally, ahead of his scheduled meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump next month. Speaking during a brief visit to London on Friday, Albanese emphasized the importance of unity, stating that governments should “not seek to divide people.”
The remarks were made during a series of high-profile meetings with international leaders, including British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. This comes after a cordial encounter with U.S. President Joe Biden in New York earlier this week, where Albanese was seen sharing a light moment with the American leader.
Concerns Over Populism and Far-Right Movements
Albanese’s comments were prompted by questions regarding the rise of Reform UK, a right-wing populist party led by Nigel Farage, a known ally of Trump. Despite a modest showing in last year’s British general election, where they secured only five seats out of 650, opinion polls suggest growing support for the party.
“I don’t want to see the rise of populist organisations such as that,” Albanese stated. “Parties and governments have to come up with solutions, not seek to divide people.” His remarks underscore a broader concern about the influence of far-right politics, which has seen a resurgence in various parts of the world.
The Trump Factor
Albanese is set to meet Trump in Washington D.C. on October 20. The former U.S. President is often criticized for his divisive rhetoric and policies, which some argue have strained relationships with traditional allies, including Australia. Trump’s political style, often branded as “Make America Great Again” (MAGA), is rooted in right-wing populism, sharing similarities with Farage’s stance on issues like immigration.
Albanese acknowledged the apprehension among Australians regarding the rise of far-right elements globally. “Our job is to make sure that people continue to have faith in the system,” he added, highlighting the need for political stability and trust in democratic institutions.
Global Progressive Action Conference
During his visit to London, Albanese participated in the Global Progressive Action Conference alongside other centre-left leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir. The leaders, who have all recently won elections, shared insights on countering domestic populist threats amid economic challenges and rising anti-immigrant sentiment.
While the conference did not specifically target Trump’s MAGA movement, it served as a platform for discussing strategies to overcome populist challenges. This unity among progressive leaders comes in the wake of Trump’s criticism of the UK, Australia, and Canada for their stance on recognizing Palestinian statehood, a move Iceland supported as early as 2011.
Diplomatic Engagements and Future Meetings
Following the conference, Albanese engaged in discussions with Kemi Badenoch, Britain’s conservative opposition leader, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. The Australian Prime Minister is also scheduled to meet King Charles III at Balmoral Castle, a royal residence in Scotland, on Saturday.
Albanese reaffirmed his commitment to the AUKUS defense partnership, describing it as being “in the interests of all three nations” involved. This trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States aims to bolster military cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
As Albanese prepares for his upcoming meeting with Trump, the focus remains on maintaining diplomatic ties and addressing the challenges posed by the rise of populism. The Australian leader’s engagements in London and New York highlight his commitment to fostering international collaboration and dialogue in the face of growing global uncertainties.
