Moments after US President Joe Biden announced he was ending his re-election campaign, leaders from around the world lauded the veteran politician’s legacy. On Sunday, Biden announced his exit, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to get the Democratic nomination. Immediately after the announcement, the Democrats paid tribute to Biden’s long career, while the Republicans called for his immediate resignation from the Oval Office. Biden’s decision came amidst growing pressure for him to drop out of the race. Throughout his presidency, and during his re-election campaign, many have raised concerns about Biden’s age and mental acuity. Biden held on to the US presidency at a time when the multipolar world witnessed dynamic changes. He navigated America at a time when two wars are wreaking havoc around the world. Here’s a look at how world leaders reacted to Biden’s announcement.
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to praise Biden for making “difficult decisions” during a turbulent time. “Dear President @JoeBiden. You’ve taken many difficult decisions thanks to which Poland, America and the world are safer, and democracy stronger,” Tusk wrote on X. “I know you were driven by the same motivations when announcing your final decision. Probably the most difficult one in your life,” he added. Poland’s stance on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war is crucial as it borders both nations. Therefore, Poland will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on the upcoming US elections.
The newly elected British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed respect for Biden’s decision to step down. “I respect President Biden’s decision and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency,” Starmer wrote on X, retweeting Biden’s statement. “I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, he will have made his decision based on what he believes is best for the American people,” he added.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called Biden his “friend” and highlighted the POTUS’s achievements for his country and Europe. “My friend @POTUS Joe Biden has achieved a lot: for his country, for Europe, for the world. Thanks to him, transatlantic cooperation is close, NATO is strong, and the USA is a good and reliable partner for us. His decision not to run again deserves recognition,” he wrote on X.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also responded to Biden’s announcement. He expressed gratitude for Biden’s “unwavering support” for Ukraine in its fight for freedom. “Ukraine is grateful to President Biden for his unwavering support for Ukraine’s fight for freedom, which, along with strong bipartisan support in the United States, has been and continues to be critical,” Zelenskyy wrote on X. “Many strong decisions have been made in recent years and they will be remembered as bold steps taken by President Biden in response to challenging times. And we respect today’s tough but strong decision.” He added, “We will always be thankful for President Biden’s leadership. He supported our country during the most dramatic moment in history, assisted us in preventing Putin from occupying our country, and has continued to support us throughout this terrible war.” These comments from Zelenskyy followed a recent phone conversation with Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump. Ukraine will closely watch the US election as the outcome will significantly impact the kind of assistance it receives in its war against Russia.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin made it clear that they have other priorities than waiting for the outcome of the US Presidential elections. “For us, reaching the goals of the special military operation [against Ukraine] is a priority, rather than the outcome of the US elections,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said when asked about the matter, Russia Today reported. Peskov also supported the country’s President Vladimir Putin, who earlier this year expressed a preference for Biden to win the election, describing him as “an old-school politician” and “more predictable”. “That’s certainly the case, but the elections are still four months ahead. And it’s a long period, over which many things can change,” Peskov noted. “Biden has caused problems all over the world and in his own country, the United States. Since he sees that he will not be elected, he is withdrawing without waiting for the election,” Russian state Duma leader Vyacheslav Volodin, an ally of Vladimir Putin’s, told reporters on Sunday. “He should be held accountable for the war unleashed in Ukraine, for destroying the economies of European countries, and for the sanctions policy against Russia and other countries,” he added.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is expected in Washington this week, has a strained relationship with the US administration. While Netanyahu has yet to comment on Biden’s decision, other prominent Israeli officials have expressed positive views. Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called Biden a “true friend” of the state of Israel. “President Biden is a true friend of Israel who stood by us in our most difficult moments,” Bennett wrote on X. “During my tenure as Prime Minister, I witnessed his unwavering support of the State of Israel. Thank you for everything,” he added. Israel’s defense minister Yoav Gallant also thanked Biden for his “unwavering support of Israel over the years. Your steadfast backing, especially during the war, has been invaluable. We are grateful for your leadership and friendship.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese thanked Biden for his “leadership” and praised the strong alliance between the two nations. “Thank you for your leadership and ongoing service President Biden. The Australia-US Alliance has never been stronger with our shared commitment to democratic values, international security, economic prosperity and climate action for this and future generations,” the Australian premier wrote on X.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared a photo of Biden during his visit to the Canadian parliament. “I’ve known President Biden for years. He’s 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,” he wrote on X.
Overall, the world lauded Biden’s leadership during tough times and celebrated his long career as a politician.
