Leaders across the world paid tribute to Joe Biden after he announced he was dropping out of the US presidential race on Sunday.
Biden informed the public of his decision in a letter, a surprise move that upends his 2024 White House race. He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s new nominee.
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Biden for taking a “bold step” to support his country, and praised the U.S. president’s “tough but strong decision” to end his re-election campaign.
“We will forever be grateful for President Biden’s leadership. He supported our country during the most dramatic moment in history, helped us stop (Russian President Vladimir) Putin from taking over our country, and continued to support us during this terrible war,” he said.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk praised Biden, saying he had made “many difficult decisions that have made Poland, the United States and the world safer and strengthened democracy.”
“I know you were also driven by the same motivation when announcing your final decision. It was probably the most difficult decision of your life,” said Tusk, who was president of the European Council between 2014 and 2019.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he respected Biden’s decision. “I look forward to working closely with him throughout the remainder of his term,” he said.
“I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, he will make his decision based on what he believes is best for the American people,” he said.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also paid tribute to “my friend”.
“Joe Biden has achieved a lot: for his country, for Europe, for the world,” he said. “His decision not to run for re-election deserves respect.”
– ‘Great man’ –
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Galant thanked Biden for his “unwavering support for Israel over the years.”
He added: “Your steadfast support, especially during the war, has been invaluable. We are grateful for your leadership and friendship.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also thanked Biden for his years of service.
“He is a great person and everything he does is driven by his love for his country,” he said.
“As president, he is a partner to Canadians — and a true friend. To President Biden and the First Lady: thank you.”
Japan’s prime minister said he believed Biden’s announcement was “the best political decision for him.”
“The Japan-U.S. alliance is the cornerstone of our country’s diplomacy and security, so we will closely monitor the situation,” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese thanked Biden “for your leadership and continued service.”
“The Australia-US alliance has never been stronger, with our shared commitment to democratic values, international security, economic prosperity and climate action for current and future generations.”
Former President Barack Obama, under whom Biden twice served as vice president, praised his tenure.
“On the international level, he restored America’s standing in the world, revived NATO, and united the world against Russian aggression in Ukraine,” he said.
Obama said that although Biden has every right to run for re-election, his decision to drop out of the race is a testament to his “love of country.”
– ‘Unqualified’ –
The Kremlin said it was monitoring developments.
“There are still four months left until the election. And this is a long time, during which a lot can change. We need to pay attention, keep an eye on what will happen and focus on our work,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the Life.ru news outlet.
While world leaders were praising his performance on the world stage, leading Republicans were insisting that he was unfit to remain president.
“If Joe Biden is not qualified to be president, he is not qualified to serve as president,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, the top Republican in Congress, said in a statement.
“He must resign from his position immediately. November 5 cannot come soon enough,” he said.
Former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, wrote on his Truth social network: “Crooked Joe Biden was not qualified to run for president, and is certainly not qualified to serve.”
