Historic success for Anthony Albanese: reconfirmed with a large majority. Conservatives at an all-time low. The geography of the progressive consensus changes, also internationally.

The Australian Labor Party achieved a historic election result in the federal election on 3 May. With 85 seats won in the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was reconfirmed for a second consecutive term, an event that has not occurred for a Labour leader since 1901. The figure reflects not only a solid hold of the incumbent government, but also a restructuring of consensus in favour of progressive platforms, in contrast to previous political phases.

Opposition leader Dutton defeated in his constituency

The defeat of the Liberal-National Coalition, led by Peter Dutton, marks a turning point in Australian conservative politics. Dutton lost his seat in the Dickson constituency in Queensland, a rare event in the country’s parliamentary history and indicative of a significant change in voter orientation. With only 41 seats, the coalition recorded the worst result in its history, signalling a crisis of representation within the conservative camp.

Australia says no to Trumpism

A key element of this electoral round was the electorate’s rejection of communication and programmatic strategies traceable to Donald Trump’s political rhetoric. Dutton’s campaign, centred on issues of identity, opposition to the so-called ‘woke’ culture and the promotion of nuclear energy, echoed tones and content already tried and tested elsewhere. But it did not achieve the hoped-for consensus. Albanese’s more sober and inclusive proposal met with support, highlighting a preference among Australians (as had happened with Canadians) for less confrontational models of leadership.

The Australian outcome and the international context

The Australian election result is part of a broader dynamic affecting several Western democracies. In Canada, precisely, conservative forces are losing ground, while in Europe(apart from the Romanian case) a revival of more centrist politics can be observed. This trend suggests a possible reversal from the expansive phase of populist and nationalist forces of the last decade. The electorate seems to favour more pragmatic approaches oriented towards institutional stability.

A victory, not a blank cheque

However, Albanese’s reappointment opens a new political phase that presents many critical issues. The government will have to face structural challenges, including the rising cost of living, managing the energy transition and positioning Australia in the context of current geopolitical tensions. Maintaining consensus will require mediation skills, programmatic coherence and attention to social demands, avoiding forms of complacency and political immobility.

In short, the Labour victory in Australia takes on significance beyond national borders. The downsizing of the Trumpian agenda in a traditionally Anglo-Saxon context such as Australia could be interpreted as a preliminary indicator of a broader shift in global political preferences. It remains to be seen whether this outcome represents an isolated case or the beginning of a phase of readjustment of the international political landscape towards more inclusive, moderate and governance-oriented models.