Coronavirus spread fuels anti-immigration opposition, challenges global leaders

President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are not the only world leaders facing political backlash as governments scramble to contain the vicious COVID-19 virus.

Pressure is mounting for world leaders to contain the spread of the virus, even as outbreaks threaten the economy as well. Opposition parties and ordinary citizens are beginning to question whether their governments can properly handle the growing crisis.

Conservative populists in Europe such as Italy’s Matteo Salvini and France’s Marine Le Pen have tied their critiques to their signature issue of immigration and are slamming government officials for what they say is a failure to recognize the real threat.