World leaders paid tribute to US President Joe Biden after he announced he would not run for re-election in November, becoming the first sitting president since 1968 to withdraw from a presidential race.
Biden, 81, had come under intense pressure from senior Democratic Party officials to step down after his disastrous performance in last month’s debate with Donald Trump raised doubts about his ability to beat his Republican rival and raised concerns about his mental acuity.
The prospect of the 78-year-old Trump returning to the White House has prompted traditional U.S. allies in Europe to adopt a more aggressive stance. Transactional In foreign policy, it will shift focus away from Ukraine and deploy tariffs as a geopolitical and economic weapon against China and Europe.
Vice President Kamala Harris is a leading candidate to become the next president, despite being little known in Europe and Asia. Here’s how world leaders are reacting.
Europe and the Middle East
Keir StarmerBritish Prime Minister
“I respect President Biden’s decision and look forward to working with him for the remainder of his term. I know that, as he has throughout his distinguished career, he will make decisions based on his convictions about what is best for the American people.”
Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of Germany
“My friend, President Joe Biden, has achieved much for our country, for Europe and for the world. Thanks to him, transatlantic cooperation is closer, NATO is stronger and the United States is a good and reliable partner for us. I respect his decision not to run again.”
Donald TuskPrime Minister of Poland
“President Biden, you have made difficult decisions time and time again that make Poland, America and the world safer and make our democracy and freedom stronger,” Tusk said. X“I know I was thinking the same thing when you announced your final decision. It was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life.”
Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine
“Ukraine is grateful for President Biden’s unwavering support of Ukraine’s fight for freedom, which, combined with strong bipartisan support from the United States, has been and will continue to be crucial.”
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris
“In every office he has held, Joe Biden has been an unwavering voice and passionate campaigner for peace on the island of Ireland, and our nation owes him a great debt for this,” Harris wrote on X. “On a personal level, President Biden is a proud American with an Irish soul, and upon arriving in Belfast, Louth and Mayo last year, he himself said it felt like he was coming home.”
Pedro SanchezSpanish Prime Minister
“I offer my deepest admiration and respect for President Joe Biden’s courageous and dignified decision,” Sanchez said. X“His determination and leadership have enabled the United States to weather the post-pandemic economic crisis, the grave attack on the Capitol, and provide exemplary support to Ukraine.”
“It’s a grand gesture from a great president who has always fought for democracy and freedom.”
Petr FialaCzech Prime Minister
“This is undoubtedly a decision made by politicians who have served their country for decades,” Fiala said. X“This is a responsible and personally difficult step, but one that is worth taking. I pray for America that a good President will emerge from this democratic race between two strong and equal candidates.”
Isaac Herzog, President of Israel
“I want to sincerely thank Joe Biden for his friendship and unwavering support for the people of Israel throughout his decades-long career,” Herzog said at X. “As the first U.S. president to visit Israel during wartime, a recipient of the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, and a true ally of the Jewish people, he symbolizes the inseparable bond between our two peoples. I send him, Jill Biden, and his entire family my heartfelt congratulations from Jerusalem.”
Americas
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“I have known President Biden for many years. He is a great man and every action he takes is guided by love for his country. As President, he has been a partner and true friend to the Canadian people. Thank you, President Biden and the First Lady.”
