How foreign leaders reacted to Biden's statement

Staff Writers

Reuters

3 Min Read

22 Jul 2024

President Joe Biden walks up the steps of Air Force One at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Biden has tested positive for the coronavirus, according to a speaker at the UnidosUS annual conference broadcast on the White House's YouTube channel. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Credit: Susan Walsh/AP

Reactions from across the world to US President Joe Biden’s decision to pull out of his campaign to seek re-election in November:

UK PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER:

“I respect President Biden’s decision and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency. I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, President Biden will have made his decision based on what he believes is in the best interests of the American people.”

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SPANISH PRIME MINISTER PEDRO SANCHEZ ON X:

“All my admiration and recognition for the brave and dignified decision of the president @JoeBiden. Thanks to its determination and leadership, the US overcame the economic crisis after the pandemic and the serious assault on the Capitol and has been exemplary in its support for Ukraine in the face of Putin’s Russian aggression. A great gesture from a great president who has always fought for democracy and freedom.”

IRISH PRIME MINISTER SIMON HARRIS:

“On behalf of the people and government of Ireland. I ... would like to thank you Mr President for your global leadership and your friendship as you make your announcement that you will not stand in the 2024 US Presidential election. Joe Biden, in all the offices he has held, has always been an unwavering voice and passionate worker for peace on the island of Ireland and our country owes him a great debt for this.”

KREMLIN SPOKESMAN DMITRY PESKOV speaking to SHOT news outlet:

“The elections are still four months away, and that is a long period of time in which a lot can change. We need to be patient and carefully monitor what happens. The priority for us is the special military operation (in Ukraine).”

NORWEGIAN PRIME MINISTER JONAS GAHR STOERE:

“I respect President Joe Biden’s decision not to run for re-election. He justifies the decision by saying that he wants to put the country before himself. That reasoning commands respect. Joe Biden has been one of America’s most prominent politicians over several decades, and a president who has carried out several important reforms. I particularly commend him for his leadership in NATO and look forward to working with Biden as the president of the United States until the end of January.”

POLISH PRIME MINISTER DONALD TUSK ON X:

“Mr President @JoeBiden, many times you have made difficult decisions that have made Poland, America, and the world safer, and democracy and freedom stronger. I know that you were guided by the same principles when announcing your latest decision. Perhaps the most difficult one in your life.”

CZECH PRIME MINISTER PETR FIALA ON X:

“It is undoubtedly the decision of a statesman who has served his country for decades. It is a responsible and personally difficult step, but it is all the more valuable. I am keeping my fingers crossed for the USA that a good president emerges from the democratic competition of two strong and equal candidates.”

AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE ON X:

“Thank you for your leadership and ongoing service President Biden. The Australia-US Alliance has never been stronger with our shared commitment to democratic values, international security, economic prosperity and climate action for this and future generations.”