The Trump effect: the re-elected president empowers his opponents

One of the most notable trends is the growing popularity of political forces that oppose Trump directly. In Greenland - where Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in "buying" the territory or annexing it by force - a centrist party supporting independence from Denmark won in March this year. Its leader, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, described Trump as a "threat to our political independence". For many voters, this was reason enough to mobilise electorally.

A similar scenario played out in Canada. Although the ruling Liberal Party was losing confidence due to economic problems, it managed to pick itself up under its new leader, Mark Carney. Carney has made a stronger stand against Trump than conservative rival Pierre Poilievre, who has tried to avoid the Trump issue - partly because of the sympathy of some of his voters for the US president. The result? The Liberals suddenly led in the polls again.

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Trump as a catalyst for clashes in Asia

In Asia, Trump's influence is even more visible. Australia, traditionally a close US ally, faced an election in May that also became a referendum on relations with the US. Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who has faced a drop in popularity, has managed to profile himself as a vigorous defender of Australian sovereignty against Trump's tariffs and derisive statements. His conservative opponent Peter Dutton, known for his more accommodating stance towards Trump, seemed less credible in contrast. The result was the re-election of the Albanese government.

In the Philippines and South Korea, Trump's policies are also shifting the political dynamic. In the Philippines, where mid-term elections are due in May, Trump's aggressive posturing is being used as a tool of internal political struggle. In South Korea, President Yoon Suk Yeol is the victim of his own authoritarian affair - and his conservative party is losing influence. The left, represented by I Chee-myung, is also gaining strength thanks to harsh criticism of US tariffs and Trump's unpredictability.

Singapore and Japan: stability versus street pressure

In countries where long-standing political elites have traditionally held power, such as Singapore and Japan, the Trump effect is creating new tensions. In Singapore, the economic uncertainty associated with US tariffs may strengthen the opposition, which accuses the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) of failing to protect the country from external economic shocks. And while the PAP is likely to remain in power, its dominance could be threatened by the rising cost of living - an issue particularly sensitive to younger and liberal-minded voters.

In Japan, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is trying to counter Trump's economic pressure without making major concessions, but without a clear strategy. If he fails, he could face not only an electoral defeat in the upper house of parliament, but also a possible vote of no confidence. In a country where Trump is still influential, especially among the older generation remembering the 1980s, his image remains contradictory - nostalgic and threatening at the same time.

Trump, albeit in a different state and with a different electorate, is thus becoming a catalyst for domestic politics in many Democratic states. Not always direct, but often subliminally powerful. At a time of global uncertainty, it appears that the image of the US president still has the power to move the ballot box on the other side of the planet.