In Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his ruling Labor Party will remain in power after defeating conservative Peter Dutton of the Liberal Party in Saturday’s national elections. Dutton’s hard-line immigration plans and criticism of China earned him comparisons to Trump by Australians, who cited the high cost of living as their top concern. Dutton was roundly rejected by voters Saturday — and even lost his own seat — despite leading in the polls a few months ago. The victory for Australia’s Labor Party comes a week after Canadians also rejected the conservative challenger in national elections. Anthony Albanese delivered a victory speech in Sydney.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: “In this time of global uncertainty, Australians have chosen optimism and determination. Australians have chosen to face global challenges the Australian way: looking after each other while building for the future.”
Earlier today, Albanese said he had a “warm conversation” with Trump on tariffs and the joint Australia-U.S.-U.K. defense pact.