World leaders are congratulating President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, with many calling the two’s defeat of President Trump a historic moment, and one they hope will lead to strengthened relations with the U.S. going forward.
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!” Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo tweeted today, in one of the more enthusiastic responses to Biden’s victory.
Congratulations poured in for Biden 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.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who’s been a target of Trump’s criticism, congratulated Biden and Harris Saturday, saying in a statement that “Canada and the United States enjoy an extraordinary relationship — one that is unique on the world stage,” while urging the countries to work together to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson congratulated Biden and Harris today, saying in a statement that “The US is our most important ally and I look forward to working closely together on our shared priorities, from climate change to trade and security.”
German Chancellor Angela Merkel released a statement saying that she is looking forward to “working together with President Biden in the future, adding that “our transatlantic friendship is indispensable.”
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin congratulated Biden, who openly embraces his Irish Catholic heritage, saying “I also look forward to welcoming him back home when the circumstances allow!”
Nicola Sturgeon, the first minister of Scotland, called the victory a “big and special moment” especially since Harris will be the first woman and woman of color to serve as Vice President, a statement echoed by Mark Drakeford, the first minister of Wales.
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!”
“I look forward to working closely together once again to take India-US relations to greater heights,” Modi said.
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 Indian-Americans.
Harris’ late mother was from India. Kamala is Sanskrit for “lotus flower,” and Harris gave nods to her Indian heritage throughout the campaign.
Her 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.
The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research said that if Biden and Harris put the United States on course to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to zero by mid-century, it would help avert some of the disastrous consequences of global warming.
“Clearly, the American people see this, and chose unity above conflict and facts above fiction – so the US can really become great again,” the institute’s co-director, Johan Rockstrom, said in a statement.
Western allies quickly looked forward to a fresh start with a new administration in Washington.
“We’re looking forward to working with the next U.S. government,” German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas tweeted. “We want to work in our cooperation for a new trans-Atlantic beginning, a New Deal.”
Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa, who was the only world leader who congratulated Trump even before all the votes were counted, continued in his support of the incumbent.
He tweeted, in Slovenian: “Interesting. The complaints were launched in all American states with tight results. The courts didn’t even start deliberating. Still, the leading media (and not some official body) are proclaiming the winner. Congratulations from all sides. That’s what you call the rule of law.”