The financial crisis which has been unravelling for the last month or so has had a paradoxical impact on the PM's electoral standing in his country and his reputation abroad. Brown's slightly boring but economically competent self has resurfaced and served him well in a period of high tension and fears of a severe recession in 2009. The PM and his Chancellor, Alistair Darling, have come across as calm and responding well to the crisis, with their help package for beleaguered banks, which has influenced the eurozone countries' own rescue plans. Opinion polls have shown a reduction in the Conservative lead to around 10 points, down from over 20 in the summer. Whether this will prove short-lived or a real turning point in Labour's prospect remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, the Conservatives are embroiled in a potential party funding scandal, as it appears that George Osborne, the shadow Chancellor, might have discussed a £50,000 donation to his party with a Russian oligarch - whereas political donations from foreigners are forbidden by law.
Inscription à :
Publier les commentaires (Atom)
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire