World leaders react to Democrats winning US midterms

Result could have major implications for global trade, security and energy prices

Governments and politicians around the world reacted to the Democrats winning the US midterm elections, a result that could have major implications for global trade, security and energy prices.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on X, "Yesterday, 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."

Ayer, la sociedad estadounidense votó contra las políticas que solo empobrecen. Contra el odio. Contra el machismo. Contra el negacionismo climático y contra los privilegios de las élites.

Ocurrió en Brasil.
Acaba de ocurrir en EEUU.
Y ocurrirá pronto en España.

La ola ultra a…

— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) November 4, 2026

"It happened in Brazil. It has just happened in the US. And it will happen soon in Spain," he said.

Speaking to Reuters, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said the Democrat win was "a powerful political signal about a change of course among American voters."

"Voices are now emerging in American politics that are closer to us than the president and the administration have stood for, for example on climate and environment, and in foreign policy and development aid policy," he said.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said to reporters that the results will "introduce a new era in world relations."

⁠South ⁠African President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the US midterm results as a “new era in world relations”.

🟠 LIVE updates: https://t.co/CIbpnVcy3s pic.twitter.com/DFdXO4wDG1

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) November 4, 2026

"We have seen that the Democrats have taken control of the Senate and of the House, and the people of America have spoken."

The European Parliament's Vice President Christel Schaldemose said on X: "Not because everything now changes for the better, but because it could benefit the support for Ukraine, the green transition, and relations with the rest of the world."

Vildt resultat i USA i nat! Jeg er forsigtig optimist på Europas vegne. Ikke fordi alt nu ændrer sig til det bedre, men fordi det kan gavne støtten til Ukraine, den grønne omstilling og forholdet til omverdenen.

Men EU skal fortsætte kursen om at stå stærkere og stå på egne ben.…

— Christel Schaldemose (@SchaldemoseMEP) November 4, 2026

"But the EU must continue the course of standing stronger and standing on its own two feet. That's not up for debate."

Greek Government Spokesperson Pavlos Marniakis on local SKAI TV said "Greek-American relations will remain strong. The United States is our strategic ally, and this will continue for major projects and all major agreements. Nothing will be affected by this outcome. It is obvious that we respect every outcome; the conclusions are clear."

"Beyond that, what I can tell you is that it appears that on the key committees there will be individuals with whom the Greek government has very good relations, and that is important for the country."

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted by Russian state news agency RIA as saying, "Let's wait for the final results. The Democratic Party leadership's approach to relations with Russia is sharply negative. There is nothing new about that."

"Our principled and consistent line regarding Ukraine — as well as our foreign policy in general — is not based on short-term considerations and, naturally, does not depend on the fluctuations of the political barometer in other countries. We will continue our work in accordance with the directives of the President of the Russian Federation," he said.

The Japanese Chief Cabinet Minoru Kihara at a press briefing commented on the outcome, saying, "Regardless of the outcome of this election, the Japan-US alliance is the cornerstone of Japan's foreign and security policy."

"As the international situation becomes turbulent and increasingly uncertain, a strong Japan-US alliance is essential for maximising Japan's national interests and for peace and stability in the international community," she said.