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World leaders pay tribute to Biden as he ends his re-election bid

World leaders pay tribute to Biden as he ends his re-election bid

Glenn Boyce and his family show their support for President Joe Biden after the president announced his withdrawal from the 2024 race outside the White House on July 21, 2024 in Washington, DC. Biden today abandoned his campaign for a second term after weeks of pressure from fellow Democrats to withdraw and just months before the November election, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris. Agence Frane-Presse

PARIS — World leaders lined up on Sunday to pay tribute to US President Joe Biden after he announced he was withdrawing from the race for the US presidency.

Biden informed the public of his decision in a letter, a stunning move that upends the 2024 White House race. He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the new Democratic Party nominee.

European allies

“You have taken many difficult decisions that have made Poland, America and the world safer and made democracy stronger,” said Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

READ: Biden ends re-election campaign, endorses Kamala Harris

“I know you were driven by the same motives when you announced your final decision. Probably the most difficult decision of your life,” added Tusk, who was president of the European Council between 2014 and 2019.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he respected Biden’s decision, adding: “I look forward to working together during the remainder of his presidency.

“I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, he will base his decision on what he believes is best for the American people,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also paid tribute to Biden’s legacy.

READ: Who Could Replace Biden If He Drops Out of the Race?

“My friend @POTUS Joe Biden has accomplished a lot: for his country, for Europe, for the world,” he wrote on X. “His decision not to run for re-election deserves respect.”

‘A great man’

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant thanked Biden for his “unwavering support for Israel over the years.”

Writing on X, he added: “Your steadfast support, especially during the war, has been invaluable. We are grateful for your leadership and friendship.”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog, whose role is largely ceremonial, also thanked Biden for his “steadfast support for the Israeli people throughout his decades-long career,” in a message on X.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also thanked Biden for his years of service.

“I have known President Biden for years,” he wrote on X.

“He is a great man and everything he does is guided by his love for his country. As president, he is a partner to Canadians — and a true friend. To President Biden and the First Lady, thank you.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote on X: “Thank you for your leadership and continued commitment, 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.”

Former President Barack Obama, with whom Biden served two terms as vice president, praised his achievements during his time in office.

“Internationally, he has restored America’s standing in the world, revitalized NATO and mobilized the world to stand up to Russian aggression in Ukraine,” he said.

While he had every right to seek re-election, Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race was a testament to his “love of country,” Obama added.

‘Not suitable’

The Kremlin says it is closely monitoring developments.

“The elections are still four months away. And it is a long time, during which much can change. We need to pay attention, follow what will happen and continue with our business,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the news outlet Life.ru.

While world leaders praised his achievements on the world stage, leading Republicans continued to insist he was unfit to remain president.

“If Joe Biden is not fit to run for president, he is not fit to serve as president,” said a statement from House Speaker Mike Johnson, the top Republican in Congress.

“He must resign immediately. November 5 cannot come soon enough,” he added.

Former President Donald Trump, who is running for president again, wrote on his Truth Social network: “The corrupt Joe Biden was not fit to run for president, and is certainly not fit to serve.”







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