From U.S. to Japan, unpopular leaders cast shadow on global economy

Reform, not protectionism, is key as political headwinds mount

Rishi Sunak has stepped down as British prime minister since the Group of Seven summit in Italy in June. U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida face elections later this year. © Reuters

AKIO FUJII, Nikkei executive chair of editorial board

July 15, 2024 09:03 JST

TOKYO -- Dubbed the "year of elections," 2024 is now into its second half.

The far right made major gains in the European Parliament election in June, while the Labour Party returned to power in the U.K. after 14 years in a landslide victory in July. The alliance led by President Emmanuel Macron lost a significant number of seats in the French legislative election this month.