Federal government and parties pay respect to Biden for the withdrawal decision
Biden announced on Sunday, facing massive doubts about his mental and physical fitness, that he would not be running for a second term as President. He was inaugurated in January 2021, and Scholz took office as Chancellor eleven months later.
Scholz wrote on X on Sunday evening that Biden's decision not to run again "deserves recognition." The US President has "achieved much: for his country, for Europe, for the world." Thanks to him, "transatlantic cooperation is close, NATO is strong, and the USA is a good and reliable partner for us."
Biden has dedicated half a century to democracy, his country, and the people, wrote Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck (Greens). He has "entirely committed himself to democratic institutions."
"Joe Biden puts his country's interests above his own," said Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) at the EU Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Brussels. Regardless of the outcome of the US Presidential election, "we must invest more in our own security, Europe must be stronger. This is particularly important in the areas of foreign, security, and defense policy."
The Transatlantic Coordinator of the Federal Government, Michael Link (FDP), described Biden's departure as a "deep turning point" for Germany and Europe. "There has probably never been a US President who took the EU institutions and the 'old' continent as seriously as a matter of personal attachment," Link told the "Tagesspiegel" on Monday. The preparation of the Federal Government for the US election would not change "initially." The government is "intensively preparing for both scenarios."
"The race is now open between Trump and the Democratic Party," said Labor Minister Hubertus Heil on Deutschlandfunk. As a Social Democrat, he hoped for the victory of the Democrats. The Federal Government would "naturally prepare itself for any election outcome." Justice Minister Marco Buschmann (FDP) called Biden "an exceptional personality."
"Joe Biden has served the American people for more than five decades. His decision today deserves great respect," wrote CDU Chairman Friedrich Merz on X. CSU Chairman Markus Söder emphasized on X that Biden had "achieved much for his country, NATO, and Europe." His withdrawal from the campaign was "the right decision."
Green Party Chairwoman Ricarda Lang wrote on X: "Joe Biden has served his country impressively as President. And he does so with this step. My greatest respect!"
The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Bundestag, Michael Roth (SPD), called Biden on X an "President whom we in Europe and Germany owe much." "The end is tragic and does not do justice to his life's work."
FDP European politician Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann called Biden's decision "smart, even if it must be difficult for him." The Democrats must "immediately send the suitable candidate or candidate" to the race, said Strack-Zimmermann to the news agency AFP. "The Democrats can still decide the election."
Biden has already declared his Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate for the Presidency in November. In Berlin, the statements about her were still cautious, as other candidates were still possible.
Highlight: Harris is well-known in the German government and participated in the Munich Security Conference. There is an "intensive exchange" with the Federal Chancellery as well.
Harris is not unfamiliar in defense politics, stated the chairman of the Defense Committee of the Bundestag, Marcus Faber (FDP), on RTL and ntv. "It is known that the course of the previous government will continue to some extent."
- Despite Biden's announcement of not running for a second term, there are still potential candidates from the Democratic Party, such as Kamala Harris.
- Robert Habeck, the Vice-Chancellor from the Greens, highlighted Biden's commitment to democratic institutions throughout his half-century service.
- The Transatlantic Coordinator of the Federal Government, Michael Link (FDP), viewed Biden's departure as a significant turning point for Germany and Europe.
- Hubertus Heil, the Labor Minister and a Social Democrat, expressed his hope for the Democrats' victory in the upcoming US Presidential election.
- Michael Roth (SPD), the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Bundestag, praised Biden as a President who owes Europe and Germany much.
- CDU Chairman Friedrich Merz and CSU Chairman Markus Söder both emphasized the significant contributions Biden made to his country, NATO, and Europe.
- The Republicans, led by Donald Trump, are potentially another candidate in the US Presidential election, adding competition to the race.
- Vice President Kamala Harris, if chosen by the Democrats, would continue Biden's policies in some aspects, according to the chairman of the Defense Committee, Marcus Faber (FDP).
- This withdrawal decision by Biden also influenced the German Federal Government's preparation for a potential change in the US President, as they must prepare for two possible scenarios.
- Europe and its Parties must invest more in their security and ensure Europe's strength during this transition, as suggested by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens).
- NATO supports a strong and united Europe as its partner and relies on the respect and cooperation of the US-President, regardless of who takes office in the upcoming US Presidential election.
