What Other World Leaders Are Saying About Biden

The rest of the world is also wrapping its head around what just happened in the 2024 presidential race. A roundup of comments from world leaders about President Biden's decision to step aside in the 2024 election:

• Britain: Recently elected PM Keir Starmer called Biden's decision "based on what he believes is best for the American people," and looks forward to "working together during the remainder of his presidency," per NPR.
• Ukraine: "He supported our country during the most dramatic moment in history, assisted us in preventing Putin from occupying our country, and has continued to support us throughout this terrible war," said President Volodymyr Zelensky. "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. We respect today's tough but strong decision."
• Russia: Kremlin rep Dmitry Peskov said it was "four months until the election" which is "a long time in which a lot can happen. We need to observe and see what happens." President Vladimir Putin was silent, but asked about Biden's presumptive successor to the Democratic nomination, Peskov said, per Reuters, "To be honest, I can't remember a single contact between President Putin and Ms. Harris."
• Germany: "Joe Biden has achieved a great deal: for his country, for Europe, for the world," said Chancellor Olaf Scholz. "Thanks to him, transatlantic cooperation is close, NATO is strong and the USA is a good and reliable partner for us." That was likely a swipe at Donald Trump, who has made clear his distaste for NATO, notes the New York Times.

• Canada: "He's a great man, and everything he does is guided by his love for his country," said PM Justin Trudeau in calling Biden a "great friend" of his country.
• Australia: PM Anthony Albanese, per CNN, praised Biden for "once again not putting himself forward first, but giving his first consideration to being what he believes is in the interests of the United States of America, as he has done his whole public life."
• Czech Republic: "I am keeping my fingers crossed for the USA that a good president emerges from the democratic competition of two strong and equal candidates," said PM Petr Fiala.
• No comment: From the leaders of Japan and South Korea, citing an unwillingness to get involved in domestic politics.

(More President Biden stories.)