Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk honored President Joe Biden on Sunday, praising him for having “strengthened democracy” after the U.S. leader’s announcement that he would not seek reelection.
President Biden disclosed his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race on Sunday, citing concerns about his age and health.
Tusk, who served as the European Council’s president from 2014 to 2019, said in March that it was important to “nurture transatlantic relations, regardless of who the US president is”.
“You’ve taken many difficult decisions, thanks to which Poland, America, and the world are safer, and democracy stronger,” Tusk wrote on X.
“I know you were driven by the same motivations when announcing your final decision. Probably the most difficult one in your life,” he added.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also thanked Biden for his decades of supporting “the Israeli people” after the US leader’s move.
“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to @POTUS Joe Biden for his friendship and steadfast support for the Israeli people over his decades-long career,” Herzog, whose role is largely ceremonial, wrote on social media.
Germany’s Scholz added that Biden’s decision deserves ‘respect’
Meanwhile, German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz praised Biden after he announced his decision to drop out of the 2024 US presidential election.
“My friend @POTUS Joe Biden has achieved a lot: for his country, for Europe, for the world,” Scholz wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “His decision not to run again deserves respect.”
Similarly, newly elected UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer said he respected the US President’s decision to withdraw from the race for the White House, paying tribute to a “remarkable career”.
“I respect President Biden’s decision and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency,” Starmer wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“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.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also thanked Biden for his years of service.
“I’ve known President Biden for years,” he wrote on X.
“He’s 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.”
