PARIS (Reuters) – French President Emmanuel Macron and different EU leaders congratulated Donald Trump after he claimed victory in Tuesday’s U.S. presidential election, saying they had been able to work collectively however would defend Europe’s pursuits.
Macron’s message on X was not as enthusiastic as ones by Hungary’s nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban and far-right leaders throughout Europe, who hurried to congratulate Trump early on Wednesday, even earlier than he claimed victory.
A backdrop to the congratulatory phrases was a fear amongst many European leaders concerning the influence of a Trump return to the White Home on the broader world.
Given turbulent transatlantic relations in Trump’s earlier time period, his previous robust criticism of NATO, his ambivalent view of Ukraine’s battle towards Russia’s invasion and stance on local weather change, many European officers had mentioned forward of the election they had been nervous a few win for Trump.
However Macron was among the many first to achieve out to determine a superb relationship.
“Congratulations, President Donald Trump. Ready to work together as we did for four years,” Macron mentioned on X. “With your convictions and mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity.”
Macron added in one other message on X that he had talked with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz – whose coalition faces make-or-break talks this week – to make sure they may work collectively for a stronger, extra united Europe that defends its pursuits and values.
NATO chief Mark Rutte was amongst many others in Europe who congratulated Trump and hoped for good cooperation.
Alongside overseas coverage, European commerce may face a bumpy trip: Trump mentioned final month that the European Union must “pay a big price” for not shopping for sufficient American exports if he gained the election.
TRADE TENSIONS?
Trump has mentioned he’ll impose a ten% tariff on imports from all nations, and 60% duties on imports from China.
These would hit provide chains all through the world, possible triggering retaliation and elevating prices, and China searching for to divert its exports in the direction of Europe, economists warn.
Barclays (LON:) has warned of potential “high single-digit” proportion drops in European earnings ought to commerce conflicts reignite.
Orban, who’s at odds with most of his EU friends and in contrast to different EU leaders had brazenly endorsed Trump’s presidential bid, posted enthusiastic messages on X early on Wednesday.
“The biggest comeback in US political history! Congratulations to President @realDonaldTrump on his enormous win. A much needed victory for the World!” he wrote.
Orban mentioned earlier this week that Europe would want to rethink its help of Ukraine if Trump was re-elected president.
Different far-right politicians throughout Europe rushed to congratulate Trump.
“This was an election of the working population in the US. It was not the woke Hollywood that won but rather the working people,” Alice Weidel, co-leader for Germany’s Various for Germany mentioned on X. “It was a vote against mass migration, it was a vote against economic decline.”
Far-right chief Geert Wilders, who heads the biggest get together in The Netherlands’ governing coalition, mentioned on X early on Wednesday: ” CONGRATULATIONS PRESIDENT TRUMP! CONGRATULATIONS AMERICA!”
