Vaccine protests in Canada and victory for the Portuguese Socialists

Thousands have joined the so-called “Freedom Convoy” in Canada, which has spiralled from truckers’ frustrations over Covid-19 vaccine mandates into calls to overthrow the government. Jeremy Cliffe in Berlin, Megan Gibson in London and Emily Tamkin in Washington, DC, discuss the protests and parallels with the US Capitol Riots of 6 January.

Then the Prime Minister of Portugal, António Costa, has led his Socialist Party to victory at a snap election this week, winning 41.7% of the vote. The team discuss the specific circumstances of Costa’s success and whether it will last.

Then in You Ask Us, a listener asks whether the success of the Socialists will spark a resurgence for left-wing parties.

Further reading:

Micheal Coren on why the “Freedom Convoy” shows the Americanisation of Canada’s right.

Jeremy Cliffe reports that victory puts Portuguese Socialists at forefront of Europe’s centre-left comeback.

Ido Vock asks whether anything can save the French left.

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