World leaders have praised Joe Biden after the US president announced he would not run for re-election in November. He is the first president since 1968 to withdraw from the presidential race.
Biden, 81, has been under intense pressure from senior Democratic figures to step down after a disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump last month raised doubts about whether he would be able to defeat his Republican rival and raised concerns about his mental strength.
The prospect of the 78-year-old Trump returning to the White House has traditional US allies in Europe bracing for a more tense and tense situation. My transactions Foreign policy, with a focus away from Ukraine and with tariffs as a geoeconomic weapon on China and Europe.
Vice President Kamala Harris is the front-runner for the job, though she is not well known in Europe and Asia. Here are the reactions from leaders around the world:
Europe and Middle East
Keir StarmerPrime Minister of the United Kingdom
“I respect President Biden’s decision and look forward to working together throughout the remainder of his presidency. I know that, as he has throughout his remarkable career, he will make his decision based on what he believes is best for the American people.”
Olaf Scholz, German Chancellor
“My friend President Joe Biden has achieved a lot: for his country, for Europe, and for the world. Thanks to him, transatlantic cooperation has become close, NATO has become strong, and the United States has become a good and reliable partner for us. His decision not to run again deserves respect.”
Donald TuskPolish Prime Minister
“Mr President Joe Biden, you have made difficult decisions many times that have made Poland, America and the world safer, and democracy and freedom stronger,” Tusk said in a tweet. X“I know you were thinking the same thing when you announced your last decision. It was probably the hardest thing in life.”
Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian President
“Ukraine is grateful to President Biden for his steadfast support for Ukraine’s struggle for freedom, which has been and continues to be critical, along with strong bipartisan support in the United States.”
Simon Harris, Irish Prime Minister
“In all the positions he has held, Joe Biden has been a consistent voice and passionate advocate for peace on the island of Ireland, and our country owes him much in that regard,” Harris wrote on the X website. “On a personal level, President Biden is a proud American with an Irish spirit. When he arrived in Belfast, Louth and Mayo last year, he himself said it was like coming home.”
Pedro SanchezSpanish Prime Minister
“My admiration and respect for the courageous and generous decision made by President Joe Biden,” Sanchez said in a tweet. X“Thanks to his determination and leadership, the United States has overcome the economic crisis following the pandemic and the dangerous attack on the Capitol and has been exemplary in its support for Ukraine.”
“A great gesture from a great president who has always fought for democracy and freedom.”
Peter FialaCzech Prime Minister
“This decision is undoubtedly the decision of a statesman who has served his country for decades,” Fiala said in a press statement. X“It is a responsible and personally difficult step, but it is more valuable. I have high hopes for the United States that a good president will emerge from a Democratic contest between two strong and equal candidates.”
Isaac Herzog, Israeli President
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Joe Biden for his friendship and unwavering support for the Israeli people throughout his decades-long career,” Herzog said on the X program. “As the first American president to visit Israel in wartime, a recipient of the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, and a true ally of the Jewish people, he is a symbol of the unbreakable bond between our peoples. I send him, Jill Biden, and his entire family my best wishes from Jerusalem.”
Americas
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“I have known President Biden for many years. He is a great man, and everything he does is guided by his love for his country. As President, he is a partner to Canadians and a true friend. To President Biden and the First Lady: Thank you.”