European leaders bid farewell to Biden’s presidency

By Merve Berker

European leaders on Sunday expressed their thoughts on US President Joe Biden’s decision not to run in the next presidential election and bid him farewell.

“I respect President Biden's decision and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on X.

“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.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wrote on X: “All my admiration and recognition for the brave and dignified decision of the president @JoeBiden.”

“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,” he said.

“A great gesture from a great president who has always fought for democracy and freedom,” Sanchez noted.

Simon Harris, the prime minister of Ireland, posted a written statement on X, thanking Biden for his “global leadership” and “friendship.”

Mentioning that “the world has changed” since the time Biden took the Oval Office, Harris said the US president “has been 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,” he stressed.

Harris further wished the Biden couple and their family success, adding: “I look forward to working with you for the remainder of your Presidency.”

Separately, Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk called on Biden on X: “You’ve taken many difficult decisions thanks to which Poland, America and the world are safer, and democracy stronger.”

“I know you were driven by the same motivations when announcing your final decision. Probably the most difficult one in your life,” he added.

Petr Fiala, the prime minister of the Czech Republic, also wrote on X: “It is undoubtedly the decision of a statesman who has served his country for decades.”

“It is a responsible and personally difficult step, but it is all the more valuable,” he said, noting: “I am keeping my fingers crossed for the USA that a good president emerges from the democratic competition of two strong and equal candidates.”

Biden's candidacy has been in the spotlight following his dismal performance against former President Donald Trump in a presidential debate late last month.

Facing mounting pressure, Biden, 81, said in a letter that it has been "the greatest honor" of his life to serve as president,

“And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term," he added.