The US elections have been a rollercoaster ride for the citizens, officials of governments and people around the world. World leaders have been quick to congratulate him on his historic win. Sparks of outrage, tension and nervousness led to hopes of better bilateral relations between the US and other countries. We can say that America, at this point, has an unpredictable future ahead. Below compiled are different countries’ reactions to Trump’s win.
India
Trump had highlighted how he loved India and Hindus during his campaign. This might spell positive for India’s relations with the US but not so much for the H1b visa holders, for whom, reality has become a nightmare. If the President-elect decides to go ahead with the immigration policies, Indians working in the US are in big trouble.
Pakistan
Pakistan’s reaction seems to be circling around the ‘unpredictability’ the shock-win brings. While they definitely not apologizing for being accused of sheltering Osama, they certainly seem worried that Trump’s prejudice might further the cause of the failing Jihadist movement. Pakistan already beset with fighting terrorism on its borders might have to deal with a lot more. While some officials are anxious about the hardline approach, they are hoping in favour of America’s legacy of policy commitments and engagements.
Mexico
President Enrique Pena Nieto of Mexico was heavily criticized for receiving Trump during his campaign after the he had called Mexicans ‘rapists’ and vowed to build a wall between the two countries. Although after being elected, he was quoted saying it would be ‘more of a fence than a wall’. President Nieto expressed desire to continue and tighten bonds of bilateral relations between the two countries. Mexico’s economy is highly dependent on exports to the US.
Canada
Reacting to Trump’s landmark victory Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister congratulated him and stressed the importance of close ties between the two countries. He said Canada has no closer ally than the US and their friendship serves as a model to nations around the world. This came in the wake of Trump calling Canada’s export deal with the US as the ‘’worst trade deal in history.’’ A little more than 60 per cent of Canada’s global trade is accounted for by the US.
European Union
Donald Tusk, president of the European council and Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European commission congratulated him and urged Trump to come to US-EU summit at his earliest convenience. At a recent meeting of the EU leaders, Juncker said that Trump’s victory poses ‘the risk of upsetting intercontinental relations in their foundation and structure’ and interestingly added that it would ‘take two years to explain how Europe worked to an ignorant Trump.’
United Kingdom
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Theresa May congratulated Donald Trump and said that Britain and the US have “an enduring and special relationship based on the values of freedom, democracy and enterprise”. She added that they will continue to maintain strong ties with the US to ensure the security and prosperity of the two nations. The head of the Number 10 policy unit at Downing street, a fierce critic of Trump described him as Trumpolini, after the Italian Fascist Mussolini. “It is clear that a genuine crisis of legimatacy is sweeping through the western political economy”, says Freeman.
France
The French President Francois Hollande congratulated Trump but with little enthusiasm. Hollande was a ardent supporter of Hillary and remarked that, “Certain positions taken by Donald Trump during the American campaign must be confronted with the values and interests we share with the United States”.
Germany
The German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that Germany has close ties with the US and that the new President-elect will carry on the responsibility that comes with the seat of power. She goes on to say that Germany is willing to offer a close working relationship on the basis of the common values of democracy, freedom, respect for the law and human dignity irrespective of skin color, origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation and political conviction that both States share. It becomes clear that Germany is not going to entertain any of the hardheaded policies underlined in the Trump campaign.
China
President Xi Jinping called Trump to congratulate him on his victory and hoped to establish a working relationship while upholding the principles of ‘non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation’. He believes that ties with the US have benefitted the US more and was looking forward to working with the new administration.
Australia
As Trump’s votes began to rise on election day, the Australian shares started to go down with the dollar falling by 1.5 percent. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said he Australia would work ‘as closely as ever’ with the US. He added by saying that, “the bond between our two nations, our shared common interests, our shared national interests are so strong, are so committed that we will continue to work with our friends in the United States”. Investors fear a ‘disastrous shock’ to the Australian economy if Trump’s economic policies go unchecked.
Here I have listed only a few countries but it can be safely said the world watches with bated breath, how the policies of the new American government unravel.
Image credits: Aljazeera, Christiansinpakistan, wallpapercave, noscommunicanos and samaatv.com
With inputs from The Guardian.
Arindam Goswami
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