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European leaders (almost) all condemn the invasion of the Capitol

 

Among the 27, three regimes did not hide their sympathy for Donald Trump. The most trumpet was none other than Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa. As of yesterday, however, his tweets translate his discomfort by relaying a message from the political group of European conservatives (ECR): “We are deeply concerned by the scenes of the American Capitol. Violent protests like these have no place in a civilized democracy. Whether they come from the left or the right, these actions must be condemned. Jansa then pokes himself in irony by posting a photo of Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping shaking hands with a comment: “Wake up, United States. Finally, he relays the press release from the Republican Party (American) which condemns the violence on Capitol Hill.

Hungarian Viktor Orban, also a supporter of Donald Trump, is much less talkative on Twitter. His tweets are rarer and none have been posted since the congressional riots. On the other hand, his Minister of Families, Katalin Novak, denounces “the shocking images of Capitol Hill”. “Democracy should be safeguarded before, during and after elections all over the world,” she adds. An isolated reaction for now. The official website of the Hungarian government has not taken a position.

mute poland

The Polish regime has remained silent. At 10 a.m., Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki had still not reacted. His last tweet – dated January 6 – evokes a sports competition in ski jumping where a Polish athlete distinguished himself.

On the other hand, all the other European democracies reacted strongly to the images of the insurgents in the corridors of the Capitol. Ursula von der Leyen uses the most diplomatic terms so as not to stigmatize anyone and look to the future: “I believe in the strength of American institutions and democracy. The peaceful transition of power is at the heart. Joe Biden won the election. I look forward to working with him as the next President of the United States. “The President of the Council, Charles Michel, is more offensive:” The American Congress is a temple of democracy. To witness tonight’s scenes in Washington DC is a shock. We trust the United States to ensure a peaceful transfer of power to Joe Biden. ”

The most talkative Macron

Emmanuel Macron straightforwardly recorded a three-minute video message to denounce “some violent individuals”. “When, in one of the oldest democracies in the world, supporters of an incumbent president question with arms the legitimate results of an election, it is a universal idea, that of a man, a voice , which is defeated. »And the Head of State recalled the contributions of La Fayette and Alexis de Tocqueville in the recognition of American democracy. Emmanuel Macron recalls that the United States was alongside France during the last two world wars (a judgment that the historians of General de Gaulle will qualify), so that in turn, “today, France is stands alongside the American people with strength, fervor and determination ”.

Chancellor Merkel, very rare on Twitter, waited a bit before reacting. It was first Minister Heiko Maas, the Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs, who urged “Trump and his supporters” to “accept the decision of the American voters and stop trampling on democracy”. “Contempt for democratic institutions has devastating effects,” he recalls. Then Angela Merkel saw fit to publish a video statement: “These images made me angry and saddened,” she said. But I’m sure American democracy will prove to be much stronger than the aggressors and rioters. […] I very much regret that President Trump has not acknowledged his defeat, neither since November nor yesterday. ”

Mark Rutte interpelle Donald Trump

In Italy, Giuseppe Conte expresses his “great concern” and considers that “violence is incompatible with the exercise of democratic rights and freedoms”, before expressing his “confidence in the strength and robustness of the institutions of the United States” . In Spain, Pedro Lopez does not say anything else, as if the two men had agreed on a joint declaration. The Spanish Prime Minister is optimistic: “The new presidency of Joe Biden will overcome the stage of tension, uniting the American people. The Dutchman Mark Rutte reacts as a viewer: “Horrible images of Washington DC”. He calls out to the outgoing president: “Dear Donald Trump, recognize Joe Biden as the next president today. “Same tone from Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel:” The attacks on the Capitol are a heinous attack on the foundations of democracy and freedom of the press. The demonstrators indeed destroyed material belonging to journalists who came to cover the event. “We trust the strength of the American people and institutions to overcome these times of division and we look to President-elect Joe Biden to take on this task. ”

Portuguese Antonio Costa, who holds the presidency of the EU for six months, follows developments in Washington “with concern” and refers to “disturbing scenes”. “The outcome of the elections must be respected, with a peaceful and orderly transfer of power. I have confidence in the strength of democratic institutions in the United States. Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven deplores “an assault on democracy” and refers to “the substantial responsibility of President Trump and several members of Congress” in these developments. Austrian Sebastian Kurz said he was “shocked” by the scenes in Washington DC, “an unacceptable attack on democracy”. Czech Andrej Babis recalls that “four lives were needlessly lost and the democratic process was disrupted”. “I’ve always condemned violence and chaos like this,” he adds. The transition of power must be smooth and peaceful. ”

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