Congress Democrats raise hopes of a US policy shift
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Vanguard
European, Russian and African leaders hope for a shift in US policy after Democrats took control of the Senate and House of Representatives. Berlin wants new initiatives for the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, while Moscow is calling on Donald Trump to continue his peace efforts, according to their statements.
After the Democrats’ victory in the midterm elections, foreign leaders on Wednesday expressed hope for a change of course in the United States, Vanguard reports. The Democrats now control the Senate and the House of Representatives, allowing them to block legislation and delay Donald Trump’s appointments.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said he hoped for new initiatives to end the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, said she hoped the new Congress would maintain its support for Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed hope for closer ties between Pretoria and Washington on geopolitics, trade and investment. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, for his part, said he hoped Trump would continue his mediation efforts.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez interpreted the Republican defeat as a sign that the far right was losing ground, while British Prime Minister Andy Burnham called for international mobilisation against the rising cost of living.
These reactions follow the Democrats’ takeover of both chambers of Congress, announced on 4 November in the midterm election results. That same day, Donald Trump said he retained his powers despite the new balance of power in Congress, according to his retention of presidential powers.
