Wednesday’s surprise invasion of the United States Congress’ voter certification meeting by supporters of President Donald Trump has been condemned by some world leaders who described it as an attack on democracy.
Although the congress later reconvened on Thursday and certified Joe Biden as the next U.S president, a mob on Wednesday entered the legislative building and damaged parts of it.
Prior to the incident, Trump had urged his supporters who stormed the Capitol Hill to be “bold”, alleging that his electoral victory was stolen.
However, various courts in the US had thrown out almost all the electoral fraud lawsuits filed by Trump’s lawyers.
On his part, Biden called Trump out in a national address on Wednesday, advising him to put an “end to this siege” on the country.
As the protests took a violent turn, Trump also appeared on television and pleaded with his supporters to “go home in peace”.
He later conceded defeat but vowed to fight back after leaving office on January 20.
But the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, on Thursday, blamed Trump for inciting the violent attack on the Congress.
He said on his Twitter page that he had faith that the U.S. democratic institutions would outlive the attacks.
Other world leaders also advocated for a peaceful transfer of power.
This is what they had to say:
EMMANUEL MACRON ( FRANCE PRESIDENT)
“What happened today in Washington DC is not American, definitely.
“When in one of the world’s oldest democracies supporters of an outgoing president take up arms to challenge the legitimate results of an election, a universal idea – that of ‘one person, one vote’ – is undermined.
“We believe in the strength of our democracies. We believe in the strength of American democracy.”
BORIS JOHNSON ( PRIME MINISTER OF THE UNITED KINGDOM)
“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.”
JUSTIN TRUDEAU (CANADA’S PRIME MINISTER)
“Obviously, we’re concerned and we’re following the situation minute by minute. I think the American democratic institutions are strong, and hopefully everything will return to normal shortly.”
GABI ASHKENAZI (ISRAEL’S FOREIGN MINISTER )
“I was shocked to see last night’s attack on the US Congress, the stronghold of world democracy, and I strongly condemn it.
“Since its independence, America, our great and true friend, has been a beacon of democracy, and stood for the values of freedom, justice and independence
“I am sure that the American people and their elected representatives will know how to fend off this attack and will continue to defend the values on which the United States was founded.”
UNITED NATIONS
“In such circumstances, it is important that political leaders impress on their followers the need to refrain from violence, as well as to respect democratic processes and the rule of law” – U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
URSULA VON DER LEYEN, (PRESIDENT OF EUROPEAN COMMISSION)
“I believe in the strength of US institutions and democracy. Peaceful transition of power is at the core.
“Joe Biden won the election. I look forward to working with him as the next President of the USA.”
