German FM calls on Trump supporters to ‘stop trampling on democracy’
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has called on President Donald Trump’s supporters to “stop trampling on democracy.”
His is among world leaders and governments who expressed shock and outrage at the storming of the US Capitol in Washington by supporters of President Trump, AFP reported.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Twitter condemned the “disgraceful scenes in US 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.”
British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab added in his own tweet: “The US rightly takes great pride in its democracy, and there can be no justification for these violent attempts to frustrate the lawful and proper transition of power.”
The EU’s foreign policy chief condemned an “assault on US democracy.”
“In the eyes of the world, American democracy tonight appears under siege,” Josep Borrell tweeted
.
Calling the action an “assault on US democracy, its institutions and the rule of law,” he added
“This is not America. The election results of 3 November must be fully respected.”
According to AFP, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian condemned “a serious attack on democracy.”
“The violence against American institutions are a serious attack on democracy. I condemn it,” Le Drian tweeted.
“The will and the votes of the American people must be respected.”
German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz, who is also the vice chancellor, condemned the “disturbing images” from Washington.
“Shocking scenes in Washington, DC,” NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg tweeted.
“The outcome of this democratic election must be respected,” he said.
“Horrible images from Washington D.C. Dear @realDonaldTrump, recognise @JoeBiden as the next president today,” Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Twitter.
Irish premier Micheal Martin, who has invited the Irish-American Biden to visit his ancestral homeland early in his presidency, tweeted his condemnation.
“The Irish people have a deep connection with the United States of America, built up over many generations. I know that many, like me, will be watching the scenes unfolding in Washington DC with great concern and dismay,” Martin said.
Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney went further in directly rebuking Trump.
“Shocking & deeply sad scenes in Washington DC — we must call this out for what it is: a deliberate assault on Democracy by a sitting President & his supporters, attempting to overturn a free & fair election!” he tweeted.
“The world is watching! We hope for restoration of calm.”
“Extremely troubled by the violence and horrible events taking place in Washington D.C. American democracy is resilient, deeply rooted and will overcome this crisis,” Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in a tweet.