World Leaders React to President Joe Biden’s Decision to End Re-Election Campaign

Washington, DC [US], July 22: Global leaders have shared their thoughts on US President Joe Biden’s decision to end his re-election campaign due to concerns about his age and fitness.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised Biden as a ‘great man’ whose actions are guided by his love for his country. Trudeau emphasized Biden’s role as a partner to Canadians and a steadfast friend.

‘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,’ Trudeau posted on X.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog

Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed gratitude to Biden for his long-term support of Israel. Herzog highlighted Biden’s historic visit during wartime and his receipt of Israel’s Presidential Medal of Honour.

‘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 said on X.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged Biden’s ‘tough but strong decision’ and thanked him for his unwavering support during Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion.

‘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,’ Zelenskyy said on X.

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow’s priority remains the success of its military operations in Ukraine rather than the outcome of US elections.

‘For us, reaching the goals of the special military operation [against Ukraine] is a priority, rather than the outcome of the US elections,’ Peskov told state media.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer respected Biden’s decision and looked forward to continuing to work with him throughout 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,’ Starmer said on X.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese thanked Biden for his leadership and ongoing service, emphasizing the strength of the Australia-US Alliance.

‘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,’ Albanese said on X.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described Biden as a close ‘friend’ who had strengthened transatlantic cooperation and NATO while being a reliable partner.

‘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,’ Scholz said on X.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez hailed Biden’s decision as ‘brave and dignified’, noting his leadership in overcoming economic crises and supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.

‘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,’ Sanchez said on X.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk credited Biden with making difficult decisions that enhanced global security and strengthened democracy.

‘I know you were driven by the same motivations when announcing your final decision. Probably the most difficult one in your life,’ Tusk said on X.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala described Biden’s decision as that of a statesman who had 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,’ Fiala said.

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris praised Biden as a ‘voice for reason’, effective multilateralism, and shared solutions.

‘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,’ Harris said in a statement.

Biden’s Announcement

Earlier on Sunday, Biden announced his decision to not seek re-election in the ‘best interest’ of the Democratic Party and the country. He has endorsed US Vice President Kamala Harris as the presidential nominee for the Democratic Party and called on Democrats to ‘come together and beat’ Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Notably, Biden has been isolating at his home in Delaware after testing positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday while he was campaigning in Las Vegas. His announcement to withdraw from the race to be the next president comes following mounting pressure from Democrats after his incoherent performance in the nationally televised debate with former US President Donald Trump on June 27.