Democrats succeeded in gaining control of Congress in the U.S. midterm elections, with this victory recorded in Republican strongholds such as South Carolina, Texas, and Kansas. Although some results are still pending, this victory is viewed as a massive backlash against Donald Trump's presidency.
Hope in Europe
Europe, which has faced verbal attacks and tariff threats from Trump over the past two years, sees this result as a sign of hope in transatlantic policies. While Washington may become a more predictable partner, it is likely that Trump may pay less attention to European issues due to domestic distractions.
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Sophie Wilmès, Vice President of the European Parliament and former Prime Minister of Belgium, described this change as a "major shift in the balance of power in the U.S. Congress" and expressed hope that it would lead to a calmer and more constructive relationship with Europe.
Reactions to the Democrats' Victory
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called this victory "historic" and urged Europe not to have overly high expectations. He also emphasized the importance of close communication with the Democrats, stating, "We do not know what the President will do after the elections."
Leader of the National Rally in France, Jordan Bardella, linked the Democrats' victory to Trump's conflict with Iran, saying, "U.S. intervention in Iran has had a strong impact on the U.S. economy as well as on the European economy."
Meanwhile, Marine Le Pen, the French presidential candidate, remains ahead in the polls, and Bardella believes that the defeats of nationalists in other countries will not affect his party's chances.
Challenges and the Future of Relations
According to Matthew Whitaker, U.S. Ambassador to NATO, changes in Congress do not mean immediate changes in U.S. foreign policy. He emphasized that current challenges between the U.S. and its European allies remain intact.
French Economy Minister Roland Lescure also stressed that despite Trump's weakening domestically, he still holds significant power in international policies. This comes as an opposing Congress could make it more difficult for him to advance domestic agendas.
As a result of this election, European markets cautiously welcomed the results, with the cities of Paris, London, and Frankfurt starting the day with slight gains on Wednesday. However, European officials are well aware that Democratic control of Congress does not mean a friendlier U.S. government.
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