Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa Praises Government and EU Responses to Trump's Unpredictability

Acknowledging the Unpredictability of Trump's Politics

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the President of Portugal, expressed his views on the unpredictability of American politics, particularly with the return of Donald Trump to the White House. He emphasized that the international order, both politically and economically, is being impacted by this change.

He noted that the American political stance towards allies, especially regarding Ukraine, has shifted significantly. The U.S. has transitioned from being a key player against Russia to acting as a mediator, which he described as a remarkable change.

Economic Implications

On the economic front, Marcelo pointed out that the U.S. has historically supported the World Trade Organization to maintain global economic rules. However, under Trump's leadership, this order is being challenged. Significant changes in tariffs have raised questions worldwide: "Is this a new order emerging, or just a momentary decision for U.S. benefits?"

The Reaction of Governments

Marcelo stated that the reactions from governments and institutions to these changes are crucial. He believes that Trump's personality significantly influences his decisions, highlighting his background as a businessman and a gambler in negotiations.

A Measured Response

The President commended the European Union and the Portuguese government for their calm and measured responses to the new tariffs. He described these measures as prudent and careful, especially in dealing with someone as unpredictable as Trump.

He noted that the government's actions could provide it with an advantage during election periods, allowing Prime Minister Luís Montenegro to score some political points.

Future Uncertainty

Despite recognizing the advantages of the current situation, Marcelo cautioned against assuming a new order is in place, stating that it is merely an exploitation of circumstances for American interests. He expressed concern about the potential for these unpredictable situations to escalate negatively, emphasizing that empires come to an end and that no empire lasts forever.