Bank of England Governor Slams Populism as Trump Meddles in US Fed's Independence
A stern warning from the Bank of England's governor, Andrew Bailey, has highlighted the growing threat of populism and the need for global institutions to resist attempts to undermine their independence. In a thinly veiled response to US President Donald Trump's interference with the Federal Reserve, Bailey called on other central banks to challenge back against populist narratives.
Bailey, who chairs the international Financial Stability Board, noted that the rise of populism poses one of the biggest threats to improving living standards. He argued that countries must resist the temptation to turn inward and instead promote global openness and cooperation to overcome the substantial headwinds facing rich nations, including a productivity slowdown, ageing populations, rising defence spending, and the climate crisis.
The governor's comments come as tensions between the US and other countries rise over issues such as trade and security. Trump's attempts to exert influence over the Federal Reserve have been widely criticized by economists and global leaders, who warn that they could push up inflation and interest rates, adding to cost of living pressures on households.
Bailey identified three key features of populism: a focus on domestic production over international openness; attributing unfavorable conditions to "outside forces"; and fuelling decline in trust in domestic and international institutions. He argued that these narratives must be challenged through actions, not just words.
The Bank of England governor's comments have been welcomed by some as a necessary rebuke to Trump's efforts to undermine the independence of the Federal Reserve. However, his views on globalization and trade are likely to be seen as at odds with those of the Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, who has called for greater politician influence over the Bank of England.
Bailey's warning about the dangers of populism and the need for global institutions to resist attempts to undermine their independence is a timely reminder that cooperation and collaboration are essential for addressing the complex challenges facing rich nations today.
A stern warning from the Bank of England's governor, Andrew Bailey, has highlighted the growing threat of populism and the need for global institutions to resist attempts to undermine their independence. In a thinly veiled response to US President Donald Trump's interference with the Federal Reserve, Bailey called on other central banks to challenge back against populist narratives.
Bailey, who chairs the international Financial Stability Board, noted that the rise of populism poses one of the biggest threats to improving living standards. He argued that countries must resist the temptation to turn inward and instead promote global openness and cooperation to overcome the substantial headwinds facing rich nations, including a productivity slowdown, ageing populations, rising defence spending, and the climate crisis.
The governor's comments come as tensions between the US and other countries rise over issues such as trade and security. Trump's attempts to exert influence over the Federal Reserve have been widely criticized by economists and global leaders, who warn that they could push up inflation and interest rates, adding to cost of living pressures on households.
Bailey identified three key features of populism: a focus on domestic production over international openness; attributing unfavorable conditions to "outside forces"; and fuelling decline in trust in domestic and international institutions. He argued that these narratives must be challenged through actions, not just words.
The Bank of England governor's comments have been welcomed by some as a necessary rebuke to Trump's efforts to undermine the independence of the Federal Reserve. However, his views on globalization and trade are likely to be seen as at odds with those of the Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, who has called for greater politician influence over the Bank of England.
Bailey's warning about the dangers of populism and the need for global institutions to resist attempts to undermine their independence is a timely reminder that cooperation and collaboration are essential for addressing the complex challenges facing rich nations today.