Berlin expressed sorrow but promptly began preparing for a possible return of Trump to the White House.
In pro-Biden (if one can say so) European countries, there is shock. The decision by Old Joe to withdraw from the election race, though expected, still caused noticeable fuss, particularly in Germany.
For example, an informal «crisis group» was urgently formed in the German Foreign Ministry to work out scenarios related to the return of Republican Donald Trump to power in the US. This group includes staff from the ministry’s political department, which oversees relations with North America, the political planning division, and the office of the government’s coordinator for transatlantic cooperation. Additionally, the staff of the German embassy in Washington are involved.
Their task is to thoroughly assess the significance and consequences for Germany’s democratic (pro-Biden) leadership of Trump’s likely victory in the presidential elections and to provide recommendations on how Berlin should react.
There is particular concern about the anticipated increase in protectionism in the American economy (more significant than during Trump’s first term). Specifically, the introduction of a 10% tariff on all goods imported into the USA. Another serious threat is the potential removal of some of the US’s allied commitments within NATO.
German government coordinator for transatlantic cooperation Michael Link, who also joined the group, told the Financial Times that Biden’s decision was a “profound turning point” for Germany and Europe.
«Perhaps never before has a US president taken such a serious interest in the institutions of the European Union and the ‘old’ continent as a whole out of personal affection», he said, expressing hope that the current president «will remain an especially close partner until the end of his term».
Chancellor Olaf Scholz supported the decision of his dear transatlantic sovereign.
«My friend Joe Biden has achieved much: for his country, for Europe, for the whole world. Thanks to him, transatlantic cooperation is strong, NATO is strong, and the USA is a good and reliable partner for us. His decision not to run deserves recognition», he wrote on social media as soon as he learned of the inevitable.
German politicians collectively continued their lament for the American president, who, according to official assessments, is quite healthy: after a week of self-isolation related to COVID-19, he returned to work. And he will have to work in the White House for several more months.
«It seems that in politics it is difficult to find the right moment to say goodbye. This end is tragic and does not reflect the merits of his life. Thank you, Mr. President!» wrote Michael Roth, chairman of the Bundestag’s Foreign Affairs Committee (SPD), in his post.
«He has rendered excellent service to his country as president and is doing the same by stepping out of the election race», said Ricarda Lang, co-chair of the Alliance 90/The Greens party.
«Joe Biden has served the American people for over five decades. His decision today deserves the deepest respect», echoed Friedrich Merz, leader of the opposition conservative CDU party, supporting representatives of the ruling coalition.
However, Björn Höcke, head of the far-right Alternative for Germany faction in the Thuringian state parliament, expressed a completely different opinion.
«Biden was a puppet for those who prefer to remain in the background. But if the puppet has no chance of crossing the finish line despite concentrated media power, it must leave. Never has the world public so clearly understood, through the feeble president of the USA, that those who make decisions are not elected. And those who are elected make no decisions», he said, causing a stir.
However, his statement was a rare exception in the general flow.
When the dust settled a bit, Berlin politicians became more cautious in their words. The government stated that it would now refrain from any comments about possible candidates for the White House.
«We are preparing for any conceivable options», said Christiane Hoffmann, deputy spokesperson for the Berlin cabinet. According to her, it is now necessary to wait for the Democrats’ official decision regarding their candidate for the presidential elections and the results of the vote in November. Sicher istsicher (Better safe than sorry)!
Scholz avoided mentioning the call from «friend Biden» to support Vice President Kamala Harris in her bid to be the Democratic Party candidate, despite being well-acquainted with her. They have met many times, the last time recently at the so-called «Ukraine Peace Summit» in Switzerland. What can you do, other times are coming…
Scholz is generally an original «man in a case». At home, he still uses a tube television («the device works perfectly») and cannot part with his black briefcase, which is 40 years old («I like it more every year»). Maybe this explains his attachment to the venerable old man Biden (81 years old, after all)? But Trump is not much younger either.