World leaders reacted to U.S. President Joe Biden’s announcement on Sunday that he would end his 2024 reelection bid against former President Donald Trump and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris. Some described it as a statesman-like decision.
The State Department declined to comment on private diplomatic conversations between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his counterparts regarding Biden's decision. Blinken wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he has worked for Biden for the past 22 years and will continue to build on U.S. leadership with Biden over the next six months.
Here are some reactions from around the world to Biden's decision to withdraw from his reelection campaign for November:
Australia
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote 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."
Britain
Britain's Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wrote on X that he respects Biden’s decision and looks forward to working together during the remainder of his presidency.
“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.”
Canada
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on X, "I’ve known President Biden for years. He’s 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.
“To President Biden and the First Lady: thank you.”
Czech Republic
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said Biden has made “undoubtedly the decision of a statesman who has served his country for decades.”
In a post on X, Fiala wrote, “It is a responsible and personally difficult step, but it is all the more valuable. I am keeping my fingers crossed for the U.S. that a good president emerges from the democratic competition of two strong and equal candidates.”
Fiala had previously praised Biden for his leadership in support of Ukraine during an April meeting at the White House.
Germany
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote on X and praised Biden as having “achieved a lot for his country, for Europe, for the world.”
“Thanks to him, transatlantic cooperation is close, NATO is strong, and the USA is a good and reliable partner for us. His decision not to run again deserves recognition.
Ireland
In a statement on X, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris commended Biden for his "global leadership."
“Joe Biden, in all the offices he has held, has always been an unwavering voice and passionate advocate for peace on the island of Ireland, and our country owes him a great debt for this.”
Israel
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed his gratitude to Biden for his "steadfast support of the Israeli people" throughout his decades-long career.
"As the first US President to visit Israel in wartime, as a recipient of the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, and as a true ally of the Jewish people, he is a symbol of the unbreakable bond between our two peoples," Herzog wrote on X.
New Zealand
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon thanked President Biden for his steadfast dedication to fostering strong ties between the United States and New Zealand. Luxon wrote on X that he looks forward to collaborating with Biden throughout the remainder of Biden's presidency.
Poland
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on X that Biden has made difficult decisions many times that have made Poland, America, and the world safer, and strengthened democracy and freedom.
“I know you were driven by the same motivations when announcing your final decision. Probably the most difficult one in your life.”
Russia
The Kremlin said on Sunday that it is closely monitoring developments following Biden's decision to end his reelection bid.
“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," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a Russian news outlet. He was referring to the war in Ukraine.
Spain
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed his "admiration and recognition for the brave and dignified decision" made by Biden.
He wrote on X, “Thanks to his determination and leadership, the U.S. has overcome the economic crisis following the pandemic and the serious assault on the Capitol. The U.S. has also been exemplary in its support for Ukraine in the face of Putin's Russian aggression. This is a great gesture from a great president who has consistently fought for democracy and freedom.”
Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Biden's decision as a 'tough but strong' one.
In a long post on X, Zelenskyy wrote, “We will always be thankful for President Biden's leadership. He supported our country during the most dramatic moment in history, assisted us in preventing Putin from occupying our country, and has continued to support us throughout this terrible war. The current situation in Ukraine and all of Europe is no less challenging, and we sincerely hope that America's continued strong leadership will prevent Russian evil from succeeding or making its aggression pay off.”
Some information for this report came from Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
