Canada Goes to the Polls Today, GOP Proposes $27 Billion for the Golden Dome Defense Missile Shield, Spain and Portugal Face Massive Power Outage, China Exempts Jet Engine Parts from Tariffs, and More
Grinfi Political Risk Intelligence Weekly Briefing
Welcome to this week’s edition of Grinfi Political Risk Edge, your trusted source for expert political risk analysis and strategic intelligence. In this issue, we examine key geopolitical events shaping the defense, energy, and DeFi markets, providing a deep, beyond-the-headlines assessment. Anticipate, Adapt, and Excel!
But first, let’s begin the week with a laugh 😄 to brighten the mood.
"The only certainty is that nothing is certain."
Pliny the Elder. (1855). Natural history (J. Bostock, Trans.). Henry G. Bohn. (Original work published 77–79 CE).
Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this quote does not represent our views but is intended for reflection purposes only.
From Grinfi Political Risk Observatory (GPRO), here’s what we’re monitoring:
High Impact Situational Updates
MAJOR HEADLINES
— Spain and Portugal Face Massive Power Outage
Today, April 28, a massive power outage struck Spain and Portugal, affecting millions across the Iberian Peninsula, including Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon, and Porto, with unconfirmed reports of impacts in Andorra, parts of France, and Morocco.
Spanish grid operator Red Eléctrica and Portugal’s E-Redes reported that the outage began around noon, halting public transport (including the Madrid and Barcelona metros and Valencia’s entire metro network), disabling traffic lights, and disrupting phone and internet services. Madrid’s Barajas International Airport experienced delays, and hospitals relied on backup generators.
Red Eléctrica activated phased restoration, prioritizing critical infrastructure, with 60% of Spain’s 47 million residents and 70% of Portugal’s 10 million regaining power by 6 p.m. UTC.
A short while ago, they posted the following on their official X account:
Initial investigations point to a transmission line failure in northern Spain, possibly compounded by high demand from a heatwave (38°C in Madrid) and grid synchronization issues across the European Network of Transmission System Operators (ENTSO-E).
Some reports have suggested cyberattacks or sabotage, but there is currently no credible evidence to support these claims or speculations.
The Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, issued an advisory asking people to stay safe, minimize commuting, and, if possible, stay off the roads.
Note: At the time of publication, while progress has been made in restoring services at some substations across parts of the Peninsula (as Red Electrica’s official update shows), full service has not yet been restored. Please continue to monitor for further updates on power restoration and the complete outcome of the investigation.
— Canadians Head to the Polls Today: Will Carney Seize the Electoral Crown?
Today, April 28, polls have opened across Canada as Canadians vote in a federal election, with Liberal leader Mark Carney facing off against Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.
Pre-election polling results from April 27 indicate that the Liberal Party, led by the former Governor of the Bank of England, could gain a convincing win over its Conservative rivals.
Just months ago, the Liberals appeared headed for almost certain defeat, but U.S. President Donald Trump’s April 2 imposition of 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, along with his continuing rhetoric suggesting Canada could become the "51st state," has reversed a 20-point Conservative lead.
On the campaign trail yesterday, April 27, Carney repeated the slogan "TRUMP HAS BETRAYED CANADA," arguing that Poilievre would be nothing more than a lackey to Trump.
Now, anti-Trump sentiment has fueled a surge in liberal nationalism, with Canadians across political persuasions, particularly Independents, rallying around the flag. This shift has tanked Conservative support. The escalating North American trade war has shattered Canadians’ trust in the United States, and no one is feeling the backlash