US presidential election: Europe congratulates Biden as China challenge looms
- Leaders of Germany, France and European Commission underscore need for transatlantic links
- European diplomats will have more trust in the US approach under a Biden administration, analyst says
In his victory speech, Biden vowed to “make America respected around the world again”, adding: “Tonight, the whole world is watching America. I believe at our best America is a beacon for the globe. And we lead not by the example of our power, but by the power of our example.”
In contrast to her grim tone after Trump’s win against Hillary Clinton, Merkel offered warm congratulations for Biden, who will formally take over the White House in January – just months before Merkel will step down from her 15-year rule over Europe’s biggest economy.
“Congratulations! The American people have made their decision,” she said in a statement posted on her spokesman’s Twitter account, adding an exclamation mark in an unusual show of emphasis for the usually measured German chancellor.