Europeans Opine: The Vote for Trump Was a Vote Against the West’s Failed Economic Policy

In statements on the election victory of Donald Trump, British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn and Member of the European Parliament for the Italian Five Star Movement (M5S) Marco Zanni both attribute it to a rejection of the political establishment, most especially its failed economic policy.

Corbyn wrote: “Many in Britain and elsewhere will be understandably shocked by Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. Presidential election, the rhetoric around it and what the election result means for the rest of the world, as well as America. Trump’s election is an unmistakable rejection of a political establishment and an economic system that simply isn’t working for most people. It is one that has delivered escalating inequality and stagnating or falling living standards for the majority, both in the U.S. and Britain. This is a rejection of a failed economic consensus and a governing elite that has been seen not to have listened. And the public anger that has propelled Donald Trump to office has been reflected in political upheavals across the world.

“But some of Trump’s answers to the big questions facing America, and the divisive rhetoric around them, are clearly wrong. I have no doubt, however, that the decency and common sense of the American people will prevail, and we send our solidarity to a nation of migrants, innovators and democrats. After this latest global wake-up call, the need for a real alternative to a failed economic and political system could not be clearer. That alternative must be based on working together, social justice and economic renewal, rather than sowing fear and division. And the solutions we offer have to improve the lives of everyone, not pit one group of people against another. Americans have made their choice. The urgent necessity is now for us all to work across continents to tackle our common global challenges: to secure peace, take action on climate change and deliver economic prosperity and justice.”

In a message posted on his Facebook page and his Euro Parliament page, Zanni wrote, “last night another strong slap in the face of the global elites — which the U.S.A. is the cradle and headquarters of — took place. I already see comments by scribblers … on the consequences of this vote, loudly asking for the suspension of democracy because American citizens are not able to understand and did not vote for the right thing. Once again, they don’t want to understand that the disasters of our time are not consequences of such events but they are due to policies and designs which they have supported and have led to widespread poverty, inequality, destruction. For the umpteenth time they won’t understand the strong message delivered by voters, by normal people, those who live in their skin with everyday problems and who want a change. Let us wait for the referendum in Italy, the elections in France and Germany and eventually in our country. And more slaps in the face will come.”

Zanni spoke at the June 25-26 Schiller Institute Conference in Berlin where he called for implementing Glass-Steagall banking separation in Europe.