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Democrats' victory in the 2026 US midterm elections has prompted reactions from governments and political leaders across the world, with several viewing
the result as a potential turning point for Washington's domestic and foreign policy. From Europe to Asia, the outcome has triggered discussions about its possible implications for global trade, security, energy prices, support for Ukraine and the future of transatlantic relations. While some leaders have described the result as a political signal against President Donald Trump's policies, others have stressed that their countries' strategic relationships with the United States would remain unchanged. The reactions also reflect the uncertainty surrounding Trump's ability to pursue his agenda during the remaining years of his presidency, particularly as Democrats prepare to exercise greater influence in Congress.
European leaders see political shift after Trump's setback
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez welcomed the result, portraying it as a rejection of policies he associated with economic hardship, hatred and climate denial.
"The American people voted against policies that only serve to impoverish people. Against hatred. Against sexism. Against climate denial and against the privileges of the elites," Sanchez wrote on X.
He added that similar political developments had taken place in Brazil and predicted that Spain could witness the same trend. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere described the election outcome as a "powerful political signal" indicating a change in direction among American voters.
Speaking to Reuters, he said voices were emerging in US politics that were closer to Norway's positions on climate, the environment, foreign policy and development aid.
European Parliament Vice President Christel Schaldemose also pointed to possible benefits for support for Ukraine, the green transition and relations with the rest of the world. However, she cautioned that the European Union must continue strengthening its own capabilities and remain capable of acting independently.
Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken, meanwhile, warned that governing the United States could become "almost impossible" in the coming years because of deep political divisions and polarisation. He said Europe's key concerns would include US trade policies, support for Ukraine and NATO.
Trade, Ukraine and foreign policy in focus
The prospect of a more difficult political environment in Washington has raised questions among European officials about the direction of US foreign policy. Bernd Lange, a member of the European Parliament and head of its International Trade Committee, described the result as a "crushing blow to Trump and his policies" and a major victory for American democracy.
However, Lange warned that a weakened Trump could become more aggressive and unpredictable. He also cautioned that a change in the balance of political power would not necessarily bring an end to US protectionism, urging the European Union to defend its interests independently.
French Finance Minister Roland Lescure suggested that Trump would have to decide whether to respond to the election result by changing course, particularly on issues such as gasoline prices and his international involvement. He said the coming days would be important to watch.
German far-right party AfD co-leader Alice Weidel argued that Trump's foreign policy had contributed to the Republican defeat. She said his promise to avoid an interventionist foreign policy had come back to haunt the party.
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis described the Democratic victory as significant, predicting that the remaining years of Trump's presidency could be dominated by impeachment battles, vetoes and political paralysis. He also expressed hope that Trump would return to his promise of ending the war in Ukraine and resolving the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran claims US voters have rejected war
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf interpreted the election outcome as a rejection of war by American voters. "Americans said NO TO WAR, and we endorse this message," Qalibaf wrote on X.
He warned that if the US government went against the public's will, it would face consequences.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, however, adopted a more cautious position. Quoted by Russian state news agency RIA, Ryabkov said Moscow would wait for the final results and maintained that the Democratic Party leadership's approach towards Russia remained sharply negative.
He added that Russia's foreign policy, including its position on Ukraine, would not be influenced by political developments in other countries.
Taiwan and Japan reaffirm strategic ties with Washington
In Asia, Taiwan's Foreign Ministry said it was closely monitoring developments in the US midterm elections but emphasised that its policy towards Washington remained non-partisan.
The ministry said Taiwan would continue to build broad-based goodwill and deepen cooperation with the United States in security, trade, technology and education. It also stressed the importance of maintaining support for US-Taiwan relations across the US Congress and executive branch.
Japan similarly reiterated the importance of its relationship with Washington. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said the Japan-US alliance remained the cornerstone of Tokyo's foreign and security policy, regardless of the election outcome.
He added that a strong alliance was essential for protecting Japan's national interests and maintaining peace and stability amid an increasingly uncertain international situation.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa offered a more sweeping assessment, telling reporters that the result would "introduce a new era in world relations". He said the American people had spoken through the election.
Elon Musk responds with election-interference jibe
The election outcome also drew a sarcastic response from billionaire Elon Musk, who wrote on X: "Guess my election-interfering space lasers didn't work this time."
Jordan Bardella, president of France's far-right National Rally, said the election result should be respected but argued that Trump's second term had diverged considerably from the foreign policy ambitions of his first presidency.
Bardella linked US intervention involving Iran to rising oil prices and warned that the economic consequences could affect both American and European consumers.
In Germany, Ines Schwerdtner, joint leader of the Left Party, described the outcome as a "crashing defeat for the global Right". Taken together, the reactions underline how closely international governments and political movements are watching the consequences of the US midterm elections. While some see an opportunity for a change in Washington's approach, others are preparing for a more confrontational and unpredictable political environment as Trump faces a stronger Democratic presence in Congress.
