(Paris) From Moscow to Israel, international reactions to the withdrawal of Democratic President Joe Biden’s candidacy for a second term in the White House in the face of a Republican camp in top form with Donald Trump began to flow on Sunday evening.
Canada
“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 to Canadians and a true friend,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on X.
Russia
The Kremlin responded by saying it was “watching” the situation.
“The elections are in four months. This is a long period during which a lot can change. We must be attentive, follow what will happen,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Life.ru.
Former President Dmitry Medvedev wished Joe Biden “good health” in a message on Telegram, adding that “the objectives of the special military operation (would) be achieved”, in reference to Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
Israel
In Israel, President Isaac Herzog thanked his American counterpart “for his unwavering support for the Israeli people.”
“I want to express my deepest thanks to Joe Biden for his friendship and unwavering support for the Israeli people over his decades-long career,” Herzog said in a message on X.
“As the first American president to visit Israel during wartime […] and as a true ally of the Jewish people, he is a symbol of the unbreakable bond between our two peoples,” he added.
Defense Secretary Yoav Gallant praised Biden for his “unwavering support for Israel over the years.” “Your steadfast support, especially during the war, has been invaluable,” he added, thanking him for his “leadership” and “friendship.”
Ukraine
President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Joe Biden for the “courageous steps” he took to support Ukraine, praising his “difficult but strong decision” not to run again.
France
“A great president, a great man: Joe Biden chooses the interest of his country. An actor of progress in the United States, an ardent defender of democracy and stability in the world, he completes his political work this evening with courage and wisdom,” praised the President of the National Assembly Yaël Braun-Pivet on X.
Poland
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk paid tribute to President Biden, saying he was making “democracy stronger.”
“You have made many difficult decisions that have made Poland, America and the world safer and democracy stronger,” the Polish leader responded on X.
“I know that you were driven by the same motivations when you announced your final decision. Probably the most difficult of your life.”
Germany
In Berlin, Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomed a decision that deserves “respect”.
“My friend Joe Biden has achieved a lot: for his country, for Europe, for the world,” the chancellor wrote on X, adding: “his decision not to run again deserves respect.”
Britain
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he “respected” the US president’s decision.
“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 on X.
Australia
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Joe Biden’s “leadership” and his commitment “to democratic values, international security, economic prosperity and climate action for current and future generations.”