Most world leaders express hope, relief after Biden win
World leaders swiftly congratulated U. S. President- elect Joe Biden on his victory Saturday, cheering it as an opportunity to fortify global democracy and celebrating the significance of Americans having their first woman vice president.
Although President Donald Trump did not concede defeat, relief was a common theme expressed in many parts of the world to the news that his reelection bid had failed.
“The Americans have chosen their President. Congratulations @ JoeBiden and @ KamalaHarris! We have a lot to do to overcome today’s challenges. Let’s work together!” tweeted French President Emmanuel Macron.
Other leaders who sent congratulations included German Chancellor Angela Merkel, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Egyptian President Abdel- Fattah el- Sissi. The president of Ukraine, whose country was central to Trump’s impeachment and an attempt by the
Trump campaign to paint Biden and his family as corrupt, offered speedy congratulations.
Most Western allies quickly welcomed a fresh start with a new administration in Washington.
“We’re looking forward to working with the next U. S. government,” German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas tweeted. “We want to work in our cooperation for a new trans- Atlantic beginning, a New Deal.”
Word of the victory in Pennsylvania that pushed Barack Obama’s former vice president past the threshold of 270 Electoral College votes needed to take over the Oval Office cascaded around the globe on social media and live news broadcasts, sparking celebrations.
But the election’s outcome inspired disbelief in Slovenia, the homeland of first lady Melania Trump. Prime Minister Janez Jansa was the only world leader who congratulated Trump even before all the votes were counted, and continued to show support after Biden’s win was announced.
It also drew mixed reviews in Iraq. Many Iraqis remember Biden as having been a champion of the U. S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. Activists who have been protesting neighboring Iran’s heavy hand in Iraq, had supported Trump and cheered the U. S. assassination of Iran’s top general in an airstrike at Baghdad’s airport at the beginning of the year.
Still, Iraqi President Barham Salih tweeted his congratulations to Biden, describing him as a friend and trusted partner.