“He showed he loves his country”: Czech leaders respond to Biden move
Senior politicians in Prague have been reacting to US President Joe Biden’s announcement that he will no longer seek reelection in the 2024 US presidential elections. The Czech prime minister called it the decision of a statesman, while the foreign minister said it reflected Mr. Biden’s love of his country.
Joe Biden’s announcement that he was pulling out of the race for US president followed a poor performance in a debate on June 27 against his Republican counterpart, former US President Donald Trump. The Wall Street Journal described this development as, “one of the most monumental American implosions in history.”
Responding to this major turn of events, the Czech prime minister, Petr Fiala, said it was the decision of a statesman who had served his country for decades. It was a responsible and difficult move, which made it all the more valuable, he said.
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský also responded to the news.
“Of course, it’s a significant change in the presidential campaign and we will see what direction it will be developing. I think that Biden showed that he loves his country and knows how to make impactful decisions.”
Mr. Lipavský also commented on the broader context, saying the outcome would be crucial for Europe, which had to be prepared for any development. Whoever wins in November, the EU must be ready to pay more for Europe's security and our defence, he said.
Speaking to Czech Radio, former diplomat Petr Kolář, who served as Czechia’s ambassador to Washington, touched on other possible factors that could have contributed to President Biden reconsidering his chances for November.
“I think that Covid contributed to it. When you are in isolation and you also deal with sickness, you realize that your strength is wearing thin and that support is falling apart. I think that with Biden, responsibility prevailed.”
Former Czech president Miloš Zeman told iDnes.cz that he hopes that Kamala Harris will be a worthy opponent to Donald Trump in the upcoming US elections. At the same time, Mr. Zeman – who in 2015 was one of the few European leaders to back Mr. Trump publicly – said he hoped the 45th president of the United States would also be the 47th.
For his part, Václav Klaus, who served as Czech head of state before Mr. Zeman, said Mr. Biden’s position had been untenable and his departure had been a forced move. He said he could not predict what would happen next but said Mr. Trump was now likely to face a stronger opponent than Mr. Biden.
