Relief around the world as Americans kick out Trump, erratic nationalism
London, Nov. 8, 2020 (AltAfrica)-He is crude, divisive and erratic. He thrives on division and governs with no direction except erratic nationalism. Trump’s crude outbursts and regard for no system is finally over
Sighs of relief rippled through capitals of long time U.S. allies around the world Saturday after joe Biden became 46 president of America

Many leaders have been battered by four years of the convention-smashing President Donald Trump, and see in Biden a counterpart who will try and return America onto a path of multilateralism and international cooperation.
READ ALSO: ANALYSTS SPEAK ON WHAT A BIDEN PRESIDENCY MEANS FOR AFRICA
Trump’s crude outbursts, shifting positions and derision of U.S. allies has made him a deeply unpopular figure on much of the world stage. Foreign officials expect that a Biden-led United States will, at the very least, be more organized, predictable and cordial

Senior officials from U.S. ally Germany, a country Trump has held in special disdain, called for a “fresh start, a new deal.” Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister Pablo Iglesias called Trump’s defeat “good news,” but said “the far right … remains a huge threat to America and Europe.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who had a fraught relationship with Trump, was among the first world leaders to issue a statement congratulating Biden and his running mate, Kamala Harris.

“Our two countries are close friends, partners, and allies. We share a relationship that’s unique on the world stage,” Trudeau wrote soon after news emerged that the former vice president had won the pivotal state of Pennsylvania. “I’m really looking forward to working together and building on that with you both.”
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo was less diplomatic.
“Welcome back America!” she wrote on Twitter. “Congratulations to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for their election!”
Welcome back America! Congratulations to @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris for their election! While we are about to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, this victory symbolizes our need to act together more than ever, in view of climate emergency. 🇺🇸#Election2020
— Anne Hidalgo (@Anne_Hidalgo) November 7, 2020
Messages from foreign leadersand officials are common when a new U.S. president is elected. Less common, however, is the number this time around who have been referencing the previous administration — perhaps tacitly signposting their relief that it’s over — when delivering their congratulations.
There were many mentions of the challenges the new White House faced.
Sweden’s Prime Minister Stefan Löfven congratulated Biden and mentioned the need for “multilateralism” — something the Trump administration has explicitly shunned.
My warmest congratulations to @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris. Looking forward to strengthening excellent US-Swedish relations and to work jointly for multilateralism, democracy and global security. Together, we can lead a green transition creating jobs for the future.
— SwedishPM (@SwedishPM) November 7, 2020
New Zealand’s Prime Minster Jacinda Ardern — lauded for her response to the coronavirus pandemic and the March, 2019, Christchurch mosque attacks that killed 51 — celebrated Biden’s victory before saying there were “so many issues facing the international community.”
French President Emmanuel Macron also noted the international challenges piling up on the president-elect’s desk.
The Americans have chosen their President. Congratulations @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris! We have a lot to do to overcome today’s challenges. Let's work together!
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) November 7, 2020
The rush of congratulations from many Europeans made sense given Biden’s long track record as a supporter of strong trans-Atlantic ties.
“Biden will be more diplomatic toward allies across the board but particularly toward Europeans,” Hans Kundnani, a senior research fellow at the U.K.-based think tank Chatham House focusing on Europe and trans-Atlantic relations, said before the election. “Europeans will be extremely relieved.”
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who Trump has publicly criticized, also congratulated Biden on his win, while the country’s Foreign Minister Heiko Maas welcomed the “clear figures” that propelled Biden to victory.
Norbert Röettgen, who chairs Germany’s parliamentary foreign affairs committee, welcomed Biden but signaled there may not be a return to the way things were before Trump.
“The E.U. must present its own proposals for the partnership,” he wrote.
“This is a moment of relief and joy,” he added. “Let’s all take a break to celebrate that decency won. I am very happy for all my American friends and for this great chance to revive our trans-Atlantic friendship.”
Relations with the European Union, NATO and, in particular, Germany were strained under Trump.
“I know Joe Biden as a strong supporter of our alliance,” wrote NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. “A strong NATO is good for both North America and Europe.”
While the U.K.’s Boris Johnson also quickly issued a congratulatory message, referring to the U.S. as Britain’s “most important ally,” the Conservative prime minister’s message was not as fulsome as that of some of his counterparts.
Biden has spoken against Britain’s exit from Europe, a cause championed by Johnson, and in December referred to the British leader as the “physical and emotional clone” of Trump, according to The Hill.
“We want to invest in our cooperation for a new trans-Atlantic beginning, a new deal,” German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said.
Norbert Röettgen, who chairs Germany’s parliamentary foreign affairs committee, welcomed Biden but signaled there may not be a return to the way things were before Trump.
“The E.U. must present its own proposals for the partnership,” he wrote.
“This is a moment of relief and joy,” he added. “Let’s all take a break to celebrate that decency won. I am very happy for all my American friends and for this great chance to revive our trans-Atlantic friendship.”
Relations with the European Union, NATO and, in particular, Germany were strained under Trump.
“I know Joe Biden as a strong supporter of our alliance,” wrote NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. “A strong NATO is good for both North America and Europe.”
While the U.K.’s Boris Johnson also quickly issued a congratulatory message, referring to the U.S. as Britain’s “most important ally,” the Conservative prime minister’s message was not as fulsome as that of some of his counterparts.
Biden has spoken against Britain’s exit from Europe, a cause championed by Johnson, and in December referred to the British leader as the “physical and emotional clone” of Trump, according to The Hill.
Elsewhere, not everyone may be overjoyed at the prospect of a Biden presidency.
A sense of unease is likely coursing through parts of the Middle East, where Trump’s White House has had especially close relationships with the leaders of longtime U.S. partners Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Israel and Egypt.
“They are going to try to coexist with Biden and make the best of a bad situation from their point of view,” Fawaz Gerges, a professor of international relations at the London School of Economics, told NBC News. “They put most of their eggs in Trump’s basket — he’s been good to them.”
Elsewhere, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Moscow will work with any U.S. leader, but Biden’s win will be a net negative for Russia, Moscow-based political analyst Vladimir Frolov said before the election.
Biden called Russia the biggest threat to U.S. national security last month — an assessment the Kremlin said encouraged hatred of Russia.
“Moscow is paying close attention to this and does not like what it sees,” Frolov said
Nigeria: EFCC Academy to begin award of degree
Spending on Artificial Intelligence Systems in Africa, Middle East to top $374 million in 2020
Celebrating Congolese doctor Jean-Jacques Muyembe, the man behind breakthrough of Ebola cure
Fifteen gendarmes killed in another attack on Mali camp