World leaders congratulate Biden, Harris on victory
Although U. S. President Donald Trump wasn’t conceding defeat, world leaders swiftly congratulated Joe Biden for his election victory Saturday and expressed hope that the new White House will prioritize the fight against climate change.
The news elicited cheers in an Italian coffee bar, encouraged protesters outside the house of Israel’s prime minister, drew mixed reviews in Iraq and inspired disbelief in Slovenia, the homeland of first lady Melania Trump.
But relief was a common theme expressed in many parts of the world to the news that Trump’s reelection bid failed.
“Welcome back America!” tweeted the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo.
Congratulations poured in from world capitals, including in nations governed by leaders who got along with Trump, essentially ignoring his claims that the divisive election race wasn’t over.
“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 Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Egyptian President Abdel- Fattah el- Sissi, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who’d been known for public displays of bonhomie with Trump.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, another Trump ally, hailed Biden’s victory and the “historic achievement” of Kamala Harris’ election as the first Black woman vice president. Johnson said he looked forward to “working closely together on our shared priorities, from climate change to trade and security.”
Immediately after the news broke, Iran’s information and communications technology minister, Mohammad Javad Azari, tweeted a black- and- white portrait of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, a top Iranian general assassinated in an American drone strike earlier this year. He captioned it # End of Trump.
The Trump administration imposed unprecedented sanctions on Iran after withdrawing from Tehran’s nuclear deal with world powers in 2018, crippling the country’s economy.
Despite having gotten along well with Trump, India’s prime minister posted a photo of himself with Biden and sent congratulations for “your spectacular victory!”
He also congratulated Vice President- elect Harris in a separate tweet for her “pathbreaking” success and said her win is a “matter of immense pride” for all IndianAmericans.
Harris’ election struck an immediate chord internationally. It inspired calls in parts of Africa for governments long run by men to think again.
“The time has also come to give our women the chance to occupy such a high office in our country and even the number one position,” tweeted a Nigerian Cabinet minister, Festus Keyamo.
There was widespread relief from scientists and environmental campaigners at Biden’s win. The Democratic candidate said during his campaign that he planned to take the United States back into the Paris climate accord that Trump withdrew from.