 "US President Joe Biden deboards Air Force One, at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware. He is currently self-isolating after contracting COVID. File Image / Reuters")
Moments after US President Joe Biden announced that 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, whereas the Republicans called for his immediate resignation from the Oval Office. Biden’s decision amid 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. Biden navigated America at a time when two wars are wreaking havoc around the world. Hence, here’s a look at how the world leaders reacted to Biden’s Sunday announcement.
Poland
In his post on X, formally known as Twitter, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk lauded Biden for taking “difficult decisions” at 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. The West’s approach over how to deal with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war is crucial to Poland since it borders both the warring nations. Hence, it is certain that Poland will be keeping an eye on the US Elections.
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The newly elected British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that he respected 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.
Germany
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz went on to call Biden his “friend” and insisted that the POTUS has achieved a lot for his country and the continent of 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.
Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also reacted to Biden’s announcement. In his post, the Ukrainian leader insisted that Kyiv will remain grateful to Biden for his “unwavering support” to the war-stricken nation.
“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.”
“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,” he added. The comments from Zelenskyy came days after he held a telephonic conversation with Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump.
Ukraine will be eying on who will be succeeding Biden since it will have a major impact on the kind of assistance Ukraine will get in its war against Russia.
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.
The Russian spokesperson also supported the country’s President Vladimir Putin who said earlier this year he would have preferred 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.
Israel
Before boarding the Wing of Zion for the first time for his flight to Washington, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded Biden’s run as the president. “I plan to see President Biden, who I have known for over forty years,” the Israeli premier said in his first public comment on the US leader’s decision to quit the campaign.
“This will be an opportunity to thank him for the things he did for Israel in the war and during his long and distinguished career in public service, as a senator, vice president, and president.” Other prominent Israeli officials wrote positively of the decision.
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.”
Australia
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Alabnese thanked Biden for his “leadership” and lauded 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.
Canada
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.