Spain’s premier applauds Biden’s ‘brave’ decision not to run for reelection

By Alyssa McMurtry

OVIEDO, Spain (AA) - Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Sunday applauded US President Joe Biden’s “brave and dignified” decision not to run for reelection.

“All of my admiration and appreciation for President Joe Biden's brave and dignified decision,” wrote Sanchez on X.

Sanchez, who heads Spain’s left-wing coalition government, also hailed Biden for his leadership during the post-pandemic economic crisis, the “serious assault” on Capitol Hill and for his “exemplary support for Ukraine in the face of Putin’s Russian aggression.”

Sanchez concluded that Biden’s decision to step aside is “a great gesture from a great president who has always fought for democracy and freedom.”

His comment came in a few hours after Biden announced on several social media platforms that he was dropping out of the 2024 race against former President Donald Trump.

“I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus entirely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term,” read Biden’s statement.

Biden, 81, has faced mounting pressure for him to step aside after a shaky debate performance in late June.

In announcing his decision to step aside, he said he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place as presidential candidate.