Governments and political leaders across the world have reacted to the Democrats’ victory in the US midterm elections, with several describing the outcome as a significant political development that could influence Washington’s approach to international trade, security, climate policy and energy.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez welcomed the results, saying American voters had rejected policies that he believed contributed to economic hardship, discrimination and climate change.
In a statement on X, Sanchez said the outcome reflected opposition to hatred, sexism, climate denial and the privileges of powerful elites. He also pointed to similar political developments in Brazil and the United States, expressing confidence that Spain could experience a comparable shift.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere described the Democratic victory as a powerful political signal indicating a change in the mood of American voters.
Speaking to Reuters, Stoere said some emerging voices in US politics appeared closer to Norway and its European partners on issues such as climate protection, environmental policy, foreign affairs and development assistance.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also commented on the election results, saying they could usher in a new era in international relations. He said American voters had made their position clear through the outcome, which gave Democrats control of both chambers of Congress.
European Parliament Vice President Christel Schaldemose said the results could have positive implications for international cooperation, particularly regarding support for Ukraine, the green transition and relations between the United States and other countries.
However, she stressed that the European Union should continue strengthening its independence and capacity to stand on its own, regardless of political developments in Washington.
Greece, meanwhile, indicated that the election outcome would not affect its strategic partnership with the United States. Government spokesperson Pavlos Marniakis said Greek-American relations would remain strong and that existing agreements and major bilateral projects would continue.
Speaking to Greek television channel SKAI, Marniakis said Athens respected the democratic outcome and expected cooperation with American officials on key congressional committees to continue.
Russia adopted a more cautious position on the results. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, quoted by state news agency RIA, said Moscow would wait for the final election results.
Ryabkov described the Democratic Party leadership’s approach towards Russia as strongly negative. He also maintained that Russia’s foreign policy, particularly its position on Ukraine, would not change in response to political developments in other countries.
In Japan, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara reaffirmed the importance of the country’s security partnership with Washington. He said the Japan-US alliance remained the foundation of Japan’s foreign and security policy, regardless of the election outcome.
Kihara stressed that closer cooperation between the two countries was essential amid growing international uncertainty and would remain important for Japan’s national interests as well as regional and global peace and stability.
The international reactions reflected differing expectations about the implications of the Democratic victory, with European leaders highlighting potential changes in climate and foreign policy, while Asian and other strategic partners emphasised continuity in their relations with Washington.
