These are views from across the world, from friend and foe alike, on the recent mob violence at the Capitol. There is a definite consensus.
“Disgraceful scenes in U.S. Congress. The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power,” said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Disgraceful scenes in U.S. Congress. The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) January 6, 2021
“I believe in the strength of US institutions and democracy. Peaceful transition of power is at the core. @JoeBiden won the election,” Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, wrote.
“The outcome of this democratic election must be respected,” NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg wrote on Twitter.
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry, the diplomatic arm of an authoritarian regime, said, “We invite all parties in the USA to temperance and common sense. We believe that the USA will overcome this domestic political crisis in maturity.”
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian called Wednesday’s riots “a grave attack against democracy.”
The Organization of American States said, “The exercise of force and vandalism against the institutions constitutes a serious attack against democratic functioning.”
“This is insurrection. Nothing less. In Washington,” said Carl Bildt, a former prime minister of Sweden.
“We must call this out for what it is: a deliberate assault on Democracy by a sitting President & his supporters, attempting to overturn a free & fair election! The world is watching! ” said Irish Foreign and Defense Minister Simon Coveney.
The semiofficial Iranian Fars news agency called the United States a “fragmented democracy,” while Iran’s pro-government social media gloated, showing photos of the violent mobs with hashtags that included #DownfalloftheUS.
“This is shocking. I hope this will serve as chance for the Americans to review their democracy,” said Na HyunPil at the Korean House for International Solidarity, a Seoul-based NGO. “Trump is entirely responsible for this incident. After his four-year rule, the Americans find it difficult to tell other countries that their country is a good model for democracy.”
The prime minister of the globe’s largest democracy, India’s Narendra Modi, said, “Distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington DC. Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests.”
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, a firm US ally, said,”Very distressing scenes at the US Congress. We condemn these acts of violence and look forward to a peaceful transfer of Government to the newly elected administration in the great American democratic tradition.”
“What is happening is wrong,” New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in a statement. “Democracy — the right of people to exercise a vote, have their voice heard and then have that decision upheld peacefully — should never be undone by a mob.”
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