Donald Trump’s wave of activism, especially on tariffs, is reviving left wing parties the world over. Especially in countries with elections on the near horizon.

The impact of Trump may be a contributing factor to Anthony Albanese’s comeback as Australia counts down to the May 3 federal election.

It’s no coincidence that Labor’s strategy includes comparing Peter Dutton to Trump.

In times of international uncertainty incumbents usually benefit, whatever their political colours. 

However when such uncertainty is economic, the benefit doesn’t always translate for the Labor Party.

Since the Howard years the Coalition has been seen as the better economic managers, according to published polls. 

But the Trump phenomenon may have taken away that Coalition advantage.

The fact that a Republican US administration is imposing new tariffs across the globe has left conservative parties in other countries reeling.

Polls show signs of an anti-Trump backlash brewing in other countries. Above with First Lady Melania Trump

Perhaps it’s a case of the political right being tarred by the Trump brush, giving the left renewed vigour.

In Canada the Liberal Party – which unlike here in Australia represents the progressive side of politics – has seen an extraordinary resurgence in the polls ahead of its general election to be held on April 28.

Canada’s Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, had been well ahead for many months according to the polls – some 45 per cent to 16 per cent in December – before a confluence of events saw its support steadily ebb away.

Liberal leader and PM Justin Trudeau resigned as leader, replaced by central banker Mark Carney. 

Coupled with Trump’s tariffs announcements these events have flipped what was a one sided election campaign on its head. 

According to a poll of voting intentions, Carney’s Liberals are ahead 42 per cent to 37 per cent. 

Poilievre – whose slogan ‘Canada First’ mimics Trump’s ‘America First’ – is now in the fight of his political life.  

While the turnaround in Australia hasn’t been quite so stark, it is apparent. Late last year Dutton’s personal numbers had surpassed Anthony Albanese’s, and the Labor Party primary and two party votes were in the toilet. 

Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau (left) was very unpopular when he announced his resignation earlier this year. But his poll numbers went up when Donald Trump targeted Canada – and his successor Mark Carney has benefited from the same upswing 

Anthony Albanese has tied Peter Dutton to Trump – without ever saying the US President’s name – and has improved in the polls

Many commentators were starting to predict a change of government was in the offing.

However, once Trump came to power in late January and wielded his powers to impose what can only be described as a radical agenda, Labor slowly and steady improved.

Perhaps it is a case of voters seeking to align themselves with the party that least mirrors Donald Trump. 

Within the US Republican Party warnings are now being issued that unless Trump reverses his tariffs position the party might be heading towards an electoral ‘bloodbath’ in the mid terms due in less than two years time.

Republican senator and former presidential candidate Ted Cruz has expressed such concerns, and he’s certainly not alone.

Trump’s return was never going to be passive. His capacity to intervene, for better or worse, in the domestic politics of other nations is high. 

US presidential powers are greater in the theatres of international affairs than they are domestically, where the limiting role of the Congress is greater.

This is one more reason why Trump’s controversial actions are harming fellow right-wing travellers around the world.

The Trump effect might not be the only reason for a resurgence in Labor’s fortunes here at home anymore than it is for the progressives in Canada.

But it clearly reduces the likelihood of voters risking returning right wing parties to power before they are certain they won’t emulate Trump’s chaotic ways.

The impact is greater in Canada, which shares a border with the US. But it can’t be discounted here in Australia, even if we are an ocean away.