"Populism in the U.S. and in Europe has fed back on itself," said former U.S. Senator Mel Martinez at the University. "Trump was brilliant in anticipating the populist wave that we all now see so obvious," noted Martinez, who highlighted the U.S. president's role in "identifying and growing this wave to influence Europe."

However, Europe will not end up being populist, the speaker predicted. "This is a moment that comes and goes. We have already seen that in the Dutch elections populism did not triumph. It's not going to happen in France and it's not going to happen in Germany."

In his visit to the University, the former US Senator shared with the students of the School of Law, Economics and Communication the scope of the new American administration in the national and international scenario, as well as the policy of the new US President, Donald Trump.

Mel Martinez referred to the similarities between Trump's voters and those in favor of Brexit in the United Kingdom, since both coincide in their "concern about immigration, most of them are over 65 years of age average and do not have a university degree programs of study ". In addition, he assured that "Trump has a real problem with millennial voters and women", since according to data of the Pew Research Center , 28% of young people born between 1990 and 2000, and 33% of women, opted for the president's candidacy. However, he added that "the impression of Trump is increasing favorably".

"He is breaking the political rules, both in the electoral campaign and in government, communication, national security, staff and diplomacy - Mel Martinez pointed out - that is why he is continuously in the media". His appearances have been valued at an investment of two billion dollars, despite the enmity engaged with the media. "Trump was aware of the negative perception of many people towards the press and used that enmity to further develop his public persona."

The former senator for Florida analyzed the votes of the last US elections, which gave the victory to Donald Trump, with 306 votes, against Hillary Clinton, who won 232. He recalled that the government system "is designed so that the president is not so powerful, since he is regulated by the judiciary and the legislature".

Relations with other countries

On the other hand, he made reference letter to the international diplomatic relations with Russia, Germany or Mexico and said that, although currently with some countries "there are complicated relations, they will be better".

On the first hearing on Russia's interference in the elections to be held this week by the House Intelligence committee , the former senator denounced Russia's attempt to "disrupt American democracy" and stressed that for both Republicans and Democrats it is "a great fault that deserves a great American reaction". On Trump's possible involvement, he stated that "it is still very early", but if such partnership were proven "there would be the potential to be a new Watergate".