By Ncaba Ntshakala
The Kingdom of Eswatini has extended its warmest congratulations to Mark Carney on his election as the Prime Minister of Canada.
Prime Minister Russell Dlamini issued a statement on behalf of His Majesty King Mswati III, Her Majesty the Queen Mother, the Government, and the People of Eswatini, conveying felicitations to the people of Canada on this political milestone.
Dlamini expressed confidence that under Carney’s leadership, Canada will continue to thrive through peace and stability.
He further emphasized the enduring friendship between Eswatini and Canada, affirming that the warm relations between the two nations will deepen with mutual benefits for their peoples.
Carney, a distinguished economist and political newcomer, was sworn in as Canada’s new Prime Minister following a decisive victory in the governing Liberal Party’s leadership race.
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His assumption of office marks the end of Justin Trudeau’s nine-year tenure. In his first remarks as Prime Minister, Carney vowed that Canada would “never” become part of the United States, dismissing speculations fueled by US President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Canada could join as the “51st state.”
Carney firmly stated that Canada remains a fundamentally distinct nation, rejecting any notion of integration with the US as “crazy.
” While he refrained from confirming the timing of the next federal election, he hinted at plans to seek a strong mandate to address the country’s pressing issues.
In one of his first executive actions, Carney repealed the consumer carbon pricing programme, a key environmental policy under Trudeau that had become increasingly unpopular amid rising inflation.
While political opponents had attacked the policy for raising costs for Canadian households, Carney assured citizens that his government remains committed to fighting climate change.
An industrial carbon tax on major polluters remains in place, and Canadians will receive a final rebate to offset past carbon pricing costs.
His early decisions are expected to shape the political landscape ahead of an anticipated general election, where he will position himself as the best candidate to navigate Canada through economic and trade challenges.
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Moreover, Carney assumes office at a time of heightened tensions between Canada and the United States, particularly due to an ongoing trade war initiated by Trump’s administration.
He is expected to focus on fortifying Canada’s economic resilience while preparing for diplomatic engagements with world leaders.
His first international trips as Prime Minister will include visits to the United Kingdom and France, where he will discuss key economic and trade matters.
He also expressed an intention to engage with Trump, acknowledging the US president’s focus on pressing economic issues.
