EU leaders call for a peaceful and orderly transfer of power after US Capitol chaos

Several EU leaders voiced strong and unequivocal statements on the chaos witnessed in the US Capitol. 

Supporters of outgoing US President Donald Trump stormed a session of Congress which was underway to certify the election of Joe Biden. A few hours after Trump held his rally challenging the results, part of his supporters wielding American flags broke down the barricades outside the Capitol and broke into the chambers, forcing an emergency recess. Reports indicate that four people lost their life after the chaotic happenings prompting a flurry of responses from world leaders.

Also read: US Capitol protests - Italy reacts to violence in Washington

United Nations

A statement from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered by his spokesman Stephane Dujarric called on the need for political parties to “refrain from violence, “respect democratic processes and the rule of law.”

European Union

EU president Ursula von der Leyen put a statement expressing her faith in the US institutions and their ability to uphold democracy. She went further to advocate for the “peaceful transition of power” and her eagerness to work with the next president of the next US president. 

I believe in the strength of US institutions and democracy. Peaceful transition of power is at the core. @JoeBiden won the election.

I look forward to working with him as the next President of the USA. https://t.co/2G1sUeRH4U

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 6, 2021

United Kingdom

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson termed the events in the US Capitol as “disgraceful” pointing out that the US stands for democracy around the world. He also called for a “peaceful and orderly transfer of power.”

Disgraceful scenes in U.S. Congress. The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) January 6, 2021

Germany

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas was more candid urging Trump and his supporters to accept the “decision of the American voters” and desist from “trampling on democracy.”

Die Feinde der Demokratie werden sich über diese unfassbaren Bilder aus #WashingtonDC freuen. Aus aufrührerischen Worten werden gewaltsame Taten - auf den Stufen des Reichstages, und jetzt im #Capitol. Die Verachtung demokratischer Institutionen hat verheerende Auswirkungen. (1)

— Heiko Maas