It is not an exaggeration to say that Europe is in deep chaos. While the European Union is grappling with shortages in oil because of it is sweeping sanctions against Russia, the UK is facing one of it is biggest political challenges.
It is not an exaggeration to say that Europe is in deep chaos. While the European Union is grappling with shortages in oil because of it is sweeping sanctions against Russia, the UK is facing one of it is biggest political challenges. Frankly speaking, Johnson’s popularity has dramatically waned in the past months.
In a statement to the country from the steps of 10 Downing Street, Johnson announced he would step down as leader of the Conservative Party but would continue as prime minister until a replacement can be found.
“In the last few days, I’ve tried to persuade my colleagues that it would be eccentric to change governments when we are delivering so much,” Johnson said. “I regret not to have been successful in those arguments.”
“Our brilliant and Darwinian system will produce another leader,” he added.
There are 6 candidates who are expected to replace Mr. Johnson. Rishi Sunak, the former Minister of Finance, is among the top candidates. Working as finance minister for years, he leads the pack with the support of 88 conservative members of the British Parliament, Al Jazeera reveals.
Sunak is followed by Trade Minister Penny Mordaunt with 67 votes, while Foreign Secretary Liz Truss secures 50 votes.
Meanwhile, lawmaker Kemi Badenoch received 40 votes, Tom Tugendhat received 37 and Suella Braverman received 32.
“I think our number one economic priority is to tackle inflation and not make it worse,” Sunak told BBC radio on Thursday.
“I will get taxes down in this parliament but I’m going to do so responsibly because I don’t cut taxes to win elections, I win elections to cut taxes,” he added.
No matter who wins, he is expected to face unprecedented challenges. The so-called Russian invasion of Ukraine is just the tip of the iceberg. President Biden has just started his tour in the Middle East to convince the Gulf to ramp up it is oil production. In the UK, citizens are suffering from skyrocketing bills while the health sector is still grappling with COVID-19.
Also, we cannot consider Johnson’s resignation as a necessary condition for the end of populism in the UK. Sunak, the would-be British PM, is a privileged politician who’s planning to further humiliate the poor. Locally, we can not expect a radical change in the UK policy.
Internationally, Sunak is expected to keep his position regarding the Ukraine war, yet we have doubts he will be more popular than Johnson. This is not to say, however, that Johnson was not a flawed politician. Yet, we have doubts that the new PM is expected to provide any new contributions to international or local British politics.
Yet, we should not have a fierce judgment given the limited information we have about the new, less- popular candidates. But what we are sure about is that the new PM is not expected to have a good time in office if Russia continues it is aggression against Ukraine. Europe is faced with tremendous challenges, while the EU lacks the leadership it once had under Angela Merkel, the former German Chancellor.
“The next prime minister has the power to change direction. A lot will depend on whether the next party leader wants to truly distance themself from Johnson — or if they want to follow his course, just free from the chaos and controversies of Johnson’s making,” Jen Kirby, Foreign and National Security Reporter writes.
Johnson will leave many legacies — his Brexit deal, his pandemic handling, his special relationship with Ukraine— but he will also leave behind some of the most populist policies that are expected to have a prolonged impact on British politics. It would be an exaggeration to say that Britain is losing a charismatic leader, yet it is plausible to say that Europe will be facing a deep crisis in it is leadership. In Germany, Scholtz is still not so popular and lacks the leadership skills needed for the EU. In France, right-wingers are holding their grip on power, while Macron is grappling with his waning support in Paris. Now with Johnson out, the would-be PM is expected to further complicate the European deteriorating situation.