Political Risk Archive

Turkey’s economic growth slowed in the third quarter from weakened demand, high interest rates, inflation and tighter government policies.

The death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in late May has brought added uncertainty to a political climate already troubled by a combustible mixture of simmering domestic discontent, escalating tensions with Israel and its allies (including the U.S.), and the potential for a destabilizing battle to choose a successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose advanced age and faltering health suggest that a handover of power is likely to become necessary sooner rather than later. Raisi had been among the top contenders to replace Khamenei, along with the supreme leader’s son, Ayatoll…

Canada’s economy is cooling down after decent second quarter growth, but Trump’s promise of tariffs could squander the nation’s chances at continued growth. Canada’s gross domestic product data shows a dip in growth during the third quarter compared to the strong second quarter, according to TD Economics. The Bank of Canada will meet in mid-December to discuss a possible change to the interest rate.

The Israel-Hamas war appears to be no closer to ending more than one year after it began. Israel has intensified its military actions since the Hamas’ attack on Oct. 7, 2023. Hamas confirmed on Friday that its leader, Yahya Sinwar, was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza.

A general election held in July 2023 resulted in a significant seat gain for the main opposition PP and fewer losses than expected for the member parties of the incumbent minority government headed by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. However, neither the center-right PP nor Sánchez’s center-left PSOE won enough seats to claim a majority and a lack of parliamentary allies doomed PP leader Alberto Feijóo’s efforts to secure confirmation of a minority government to failure.