From NPR · · 3m
World leaders react to Democrats' midterm victory
International headlines split sharply on what the U.S. election result means for Ukraine, Iran, Israel and global relations.
In brief
International headlines split sharply on what the U.S. election result means for Ukraine, Iran, Israel and global relations. Democrats won control of Congress in midterm elections November fourth, drawing sharply different reactions from world leaders and media outlets depending on their interests in U.S. foreign…
Democrats win control of Congress
The Democrats won the midterm elections on November fourth, taking control of both houses of Congress. International media outlets led with the result across the globe.
European press calls it a blue wave
French newspaper Libération called the Democrats' win une vague bleue, or blue wave. Britain's Daily Mail dubbed it a historic blue tsunami.
Ukraine sees boost in U.S. support
The Kyiv Independent's headline was hopeful, saying Democrats seizing control of Congress was a blow to Trump and a potential boost for Ukraine.
“Democrats seize control of Congress in blow to Trump, potential boost for Ukraine.”
Russia warns of trouble for Ukraine
Russia's state-run Rossiyskaya Gazeta suggested the results would be a blow to Ukraine. Its headline read: Brussels, brace yourself. After the Republicans' defeat, Trump's wrath will fall on Europe.
“Brussels, brace yourself. After the Republicans' defeat, Trump's wrath will fall on Europe.”
Iran blames Trump's war for his defeat
The Tehran Times attributed the Republican defeat to Trump's decision to attack Iran earlier this year. The war dragged on, sent oil prices soaring, and affected Americans' daily lives with affordability crisis.
“The Iran war comes home to hit Trump at the ballot box.”
Israel focuses on El-Sayed's victory
The Times of Israel highlighted Democrat Abdul El-Sayed's triumph in the Michigan Senate race. El-Sayed is Muslim and opposed to Israel's war in Gaza.
“Anti-Israel El-Sayed wins Michigan Senate race, pledges no money for 'apartheid, genocide.'”
Most foreign leaders stay silent
Many foreign leaders avoided commenting directly on the results, viewing midterms as a domestic American issue unlike presidential elections where they politely congratulate winners.
Spanish PM Sánchez breaks the silence
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who has an acrimonious relationship with Trump, posted on X: Yesterday, American society voted against policies that only impoverish. Against hate. Against machismo.
“Yesterday, American society voted against policies that only impoverish. Against hate. Against machismo.”
South Africa hopes for better relations
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the people of America have spoken and added this will introduce a new era in world relations with hopes for bilateral cooperation.
“I do think that this is going to introduce a new era in world relations.”
Russia signals no policy shift coming
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told state news agency RIA-Novosti that the Democratic Party's approach to Russia is extremely negative and signaled there would be no grand shifts in Russian foreign policy.
“The approach of the activist wing of the Democratic Party towards Russia is extremely negative.”
Allies emphasize continuity and cooperation
Germany's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius congratulated Democrats on an historic victory while stressing Berlin will reach out to both parties. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said the U.S. alliance remains essential.
The essence
Democrats won control of Congress in midterm elections November fourth, drawing sharply different reactions from world leaders and media outlets depending on their interests in U.S. foreign policy.
