The worldwide reaction to the assault on the US Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump:
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“A fundamental rule of democracy is that, after elections, there are winners and losers. Both must play their part with decency and responsibility, so that democracy itself remains the winner … Unfortunately, President Trump did not acknowledge his defeat in November or yesterday, and of course that prepared the atmosphere in which events, such violent events, are possible. “- German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
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“What is happening is wrong. Democracy – the right of people to vote, to have their voices heard and then to respect this decision peacefully – should never be overturned by a crowd. ” – Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern.
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“What happened today in Washington, DC, is certainly not America. We believe in the strength of our democracies, we believe in the power of American democracy. “- French President Emmanuel Macron.
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“American democracy is obviously faltering on both feet …. Unfortunately, this is actually the bottom line. I say this without a shadow of joy. America no longer draws a course and has therefore lost all rights to set it – and even more so to impose it on others. – Konstantin Kosachev, head of the foreign affairs committee of the upper house of the Russian parliament.
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“The anger at the Capitol yesterday was a shameful act and must be strongly condemned.” – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
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“Worried to see news of riots and violence in Washington DC. The orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. It cannot be allowed to undermine the democratic process through illegal protests. – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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“Shameful scenes in the US Congress. The United States represents democracy around the world, and it is now vital that there be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power. – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
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“In a democracy, the losing party must recognize its electoral defeat, admit it, and contribute to a peaceful transfer of power to others.” – Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg.
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“We must call this what it is: a deliberate attack on democracy by a sitting president and his supporters, trying to overthrow free and fair elections! People are watching! – Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney.
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“The scenes I saw are the result of lies and yet of many lies, of division and contempt for democracy, of hatred and anger, including at the highest level. This is a turning point for the United States and an attack on liberal democracy as a whole. But I am sure that American democracy is stronger than this hatred. – German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
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“Last year, President Trump extended Zimbabwe’s painful economic sanctions, raising concerns about Zimbabwe’s democracy. Yesterday’s events showed that the US has no moral right to punish another nation under the guise of supporting democracy. These sanctions must end. ”- The President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa.
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“In connection with the completion of the interrupted counting of voter votes and the confirmation by the US Congress of the election of the 46th President of the United States, we wish to express our appreciation for the power of American democratic institutions. This is proof of the stability of American democracy and confirms the principle that democratic change takes place at the polls, not through aggressive street demonstrations. ”- Krzysztof Szczerski, Foreign Policy Assistant to Polish President Andrzej Duda.
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“It simply came to our notice then. At the same time, we draw attention to the fact that the electoral system in the United States is archaic; it does not meet modern democratic standards, creating opportunities for numerous violations, and the American media has become an instrument of political struggle. That was largely due to the division of society that is now being seen in the United States. ” – Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.
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“The scenes in the US Chapter show how dangerous the rhetoric of hatred is. Contempt for democratic institutions erodes the rights of citizens and can undermine the political order. ” – Slovak President Zuzana Caputova.
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“Shocking scenes in Washington, DC. The outcome of these democratic elections must be respected.” – NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
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“I warned you: it’s bad when (people) walk on the street, it’s even worse when they enter the yard, it will be unbearable when they come to your apartments. We must not allow this. ” —- President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko.
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“Everyone should be very disturbed by the violence in Washington DC. We hope that American democracy is resilient, deeply rooted and will overcome this crisis. Democracy is a peaceful protest, but violence and death threats – from the left or the right – are always wrong. ” – Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa.
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“This is a lesson to be learned: that strong institutions and not strong personalities are the bastion of a rich democratic culture.” – Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a recently lost presidential candidate.
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“People see America as a successful model of democracy, but we have witnessed chaos, congressional assault and robbery. Just like third world countries! ”- Iraqi MP Hakim al-Zamili.
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“Presidents who do not do much good and are not willing to leave, we know that in Afghanistan.” – former Afghan government adviser Torek Farhadi.