From Russia to Australia, world pays tribute to Biden’s legacy as POTUS drops out of 2024 presidential race – Firstpost

Moments after US President Joe Biden announced he would end his re-election campaign, leaders from around the world praised the veteran politician’s legacy. On Sunday, Biden announced his departure and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to win the Democratic nomination.

Immediately following the announcement, Democrats paid tribute to Biden’s long career, while Republicans called for his immediate resignation from the Oval Office. Biden’s decision comes amid growing pressure to drop out of the race. Throughout his presidency and during his re-election campaign, many have raised concerns about Biden’s age and mental acuity.

Biden clung to the U.S. presidency at a time when the multipolar world was undergoing dynamic change. Biden navigated America at a time when two wars were wreaking havoc around the world. Here’s a look at how world leaders reacted to Biden’s announcement on Sunday.

Poland

In his post on X, formally known as Twitter, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk praised Biden for taking “difficult decisions” during a turbulent time. “Dear President @JoeBiden. You have taken many difficult decisions that have made Poland, America and the world safer and democracy stronger,” Tusk wrote on X.

“I know that you were driven by the same motives when you announced your final decision. Probably the most difficult in your life,” he added. The West’s approach on how to deal with the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine is crucial for Poland, as it borders both warring countries. Therefore, it is certain that Poland will be watching the US elections.

United Kingdom

Newly elected British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he respected Biden’s decision to step down. “I respect President Biden’s decision and look forward to us working together for the remainder of his presidency,” Starmer wrote on X, retweeting Biden’s statement. “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,” he added.

Germany

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called Biden his “friend” and stressed that the POTUS has achieved a lot for his country and the European continent.

“My friend @POTUS Joe Biden has accomplished a lot: for his country, for Europe, for the world. Thanks to him, transatlantic cooperation is strong, NATO is strong, and the US is a good and reliable partner for us. His decision not to run for re-election deserves recognition,” he wrote on X.

Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also responded to Biden’s announcement. In his message, the Ukrainian leader stressed that Kiev will remain grateful to Biden for his “unwavering support” for the war-torn nation.

“Ukraine is grateful to President Biden for his unwavering support for Ukraine’s struggle for freedom, which, together with strong bipartisan support in the United States, has been and remains crucial,” Zelenskyy wrote on X. “Many strong decisions have been made in recent years and they will be remembered as bold steps taken by President Biden in response to challenging times. And we respect today’s difficult but strong decision.”

“We will always be grateful for President Biden’s leadership. He stood by our country during the most dramatic moment in history, helped us prevent Putin from occupying our country, and has continued to stand by us during this terrible war,” he added. Zelenskyy’s comments came days after he had a phone conversation with Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump.

Ukraine will wonder who will succeed Biden, as this will have a major impact on the kind of help Ukraine gets in its war against Russia.

Russia

Meanwhile, the Kremlin made it clear that it has other priorities than waiting for the outcome of the US presidential election. “For us, achieving the goals of the special military operation (against Ukraine) is a priority, rather than the outcome of the US election,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said when asked about the matter, Russia today reported.

The Russian spokesman also backed the country’s President Vladimir Putin, who said earlier this year that he would have preferred Biden to win the election, describing him as “an old-fashioned politician” and “more predictable.” “That is certainly the case, but the election is still four months away. And it is a long period in which a lot can change,” Peskov noted.

“Biden has caused problems all over the world and in his own country, the United States. Seeing that he will not be elected, he is withdrawing without waiting for the elections,” Russian State Duma leader Vyacheslav Volodin, an ally of Vladimir Putin, told reporters on Sunday.

“He should be held accountable for the war unleashed in Ukraine, for destroying the economies of European countries and for the sanctions policy against Russia and other countries,” he added.

Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expected in Washington this week, shares an increasingly tense relationship with. While the Israeli prime minister has yet to issue a statement on the matter, other top Israeli officials have written positively about the decision.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called Biden a “true friend” of the State of Israel. “President Biden is a true friend of Israel who stood by us in our most difficult moments,” Bennett wrote on X.

“During my tenure as prime minister, I witnessed his unwavering support for the State of Israel. Thank you for everything,” he added. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also thanked Biden for his “unwavering support for Israel over the years. Your steadfast support, especially during the war, has been invaluable. We are grateful for your leadership and friendship.”

Australia

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Alabnese thanked Biden for his “leadership” and praised the strong alliance between the two nations. “Thank you for your leadership and continued 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,” the Australian PM wrote on X.

Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared a photo of Biden during his visit to the Canadian parliament. “I’ve known President Biden for many years. He’s a great man, and everything he does is guided by his love for his country. As president, he’s been a partner to Canadians — and a true friend. To President Biden and the First Lady, thank you,” he wrote on X.

In general, the world praised Biden’s leadership in difficult times and celebrated his long career as a politician.

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