Source CNN
Trump’s chaotic entry to the global stage is already having repercussions. Trump’s actions could trigger another tumultuous year in a fragile Europe ever more fragmented by nationalism
Close to a dozen European countries — including Germany — will go to the polls this year with populist-nationalists, many of whom who were buoyed by Trump’s victory, riding high in the polls.
In some countries — such as France and the Netherlands — the populists could win. Victory for these parties could pull the EU further apart, already weakened with the crisis triggered by Britain’s Brexit vote.
Europe is in a fragile place right now, a situation exacerbated by Trump’s apparent ambivalence to its future and easy readiness to criticize leaders like Merkel.
As both President-elect and President, Trump has at times spoken with the diplomatic dexterity of a rhinoceros. In the case of Merkel, he has lambasted her handling of Europe’s refugee crisis, calling it a “catastrophic mistake.” When asked who he would trust, Merkel or Putin, he said: “I’d start off trusting both.”
Categories: Europe, Europe and Australia, European Union, Germany, US PRESIDENT, US President, USA