World leaders paid tribute to Joe Biden after the US president announced he would not run for re-election in November, becoming the first incumbent president to drop out of a presidential campaign since 1968.
Biden, 81, has been under intense pressure from senior Democratic Party figures to step down after his disastrous performance in the debate against Donald Trump last month raised doubts about whether he could beat his Republican rival and raised concerns about his mental abilities.
The prospect of a return of the 78-year-old Trump to the White House had prompted the USA’s traditional allies in Europe to take a more aggressive and transactional Foreign policy, with the focus shifting away from Ukraine and tariffs being used as a geoeconomic weapon against China and Europe.
Vice President Kamala Harris is considered the favorite to succeed, although she is not particularly well known in Europe and Asia. Here are the reactions of politicians from around the world:
Europe and Middle East
Keir StarmerBritish Prime Minister
“I respect President Biden’s decision and look forward to working with him during the remainder of his term in office. I know he will have made his decision – as he has throughout his distinguished career – based on what he believes is best for the American people.”
Olaf Scholz, Federal Chancellor
“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 respect.”
Donald TuskPolish Prime Minister
“Mr President @JoeBiden, you have often made difficult decisions that have made Poland, America and the world safer and democracy and freedom stronger,” Tusk said on X“I know you had the same thing in mind when you announced your final decision. Perhaps the hardest thing in life.”
Volodymyr Selensky, Ukrainian President
“Ukraine is grateful to President Biden for his unwavering support of the Ukrainian struggle for freedom, which has been and will continue to be critical, along with strong bipartisan support in the United States.”
Simon Harris, Irish Prime Minister
“Joe Biden has been a steadfast voice and passionate champion for peace on the island of Ireland in every office he has held, and our country owes him much for that,” Harris wrote on X“On a personal level, President Biden is a proud American with an Irish soul. When he arrived in Belfast, Louth and Mayo last year, he himself said it was like coming home.”
Pedro SanchezSpanish Prime Minister
“All my admiration and respect for President @JoeBiden’s courageous and dignified decision,” Sanchez said on X“Thanks to his determination and leadership, the United States overcame the post-pandemic economic crisis and the severe attack on the Capitol and provided exemplary support to Ukraine.”
“A great gesture from a great president who has always fought for democracy and freedom.”
Petr FialaCzech Prime Minister
“It is undoubtedly the decision of a statesman who has served his country for decades,” Fiala said on X“It is a responsible and personally difficult step, but all the more valuable. I keep my fingers crossed for the USA that a good president will emerge from the democratic competition between two strong and equal candidates.”
Isaac Herzog, Israeli President
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to Joe Biden for his friendship and unwavering support of the Israeli people throughout his decades-long career,” Herzog said on X. “As the first U.S. president to visit Israel in wartime, a recipient of Israel’s Presidential Medal of Honor, and a true ally of the Jewish people, he is a symbol of the unbreakable bond between our two peoples. I send him, Jill Biden, and his entire family my warmest wishes from Jerusalem.”
America
Justin Trudeau, Canadian Prime Minister
“I have known President Biden for years. He is a great man and everything he does is guided by his love for his country. As President, he is a partner of Canadians – and a true friend. To President Biden and the First Lady: Thank you.”