The “shutdown” season: endless political paralysis
The US Congress is once again mired in political impasse, unable to find a candidate for Speaker of the House of Representatives. Since October 3, Republicans have been divided between supporters of Donald Trump and moderates, causing a deep crisis within the party. This precarious situation poses the threat of a “shutdown”, a partial government shutdown, which could extend beyond American borders.
The difficulty in finding a consensus candidate to lead the House of Representatives reveals a deep divide within the Republican Party. Donald Trump’s increasingly radical supporters are pitted against moderates who are willing to compromise. This ideology of “no compromise” paralyzes the American political system, which normally relies on the ability to find agreements.
Last week, Jim Jordan, Donald Trump’s supporter, seemed to be on the verge of putting an end to this crisis, but his candidacy was rejected by some Republicans and all Democrats. This failure further weakens the position of Donald Trump himself, who uses political chaos to present himself as a savior and denounce the Democrats. However, this strategy risks harming the Republicans, who appear incapable of governing.
The internal divisions of the Republicans also threaten to trigger a “shutdown”. Without the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Congress will not be able to vote on the federal budget for the coming year. This could result in the suspension of important federal programs, disrupting government operations and putting hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk. Additionally, Congress’ failure to approve military aid requested by President Joe Biden for Ukraine and Israel could have adverse consequences for U.S. foreign policy.
This political crisis reveals the deep divisions within the Republican Party and poses a major challenge for the country’s leadership. As the presidential elections approach, it becomes essential for Republicans to find a path to consensus in order to regain control of Congress and govern effectively. Otherwise, they risk losing the trust of voters and jeopardizing their political future. The “shutdown” season seems far from coming to an end, leaving uncertainty surrounding the political future of the United States.