Wadephul, Kallas, Barrot, Burnham and Sheinbaum react to the election between hope for a turnaround and waiting

On the afternoon of 4 November 2026, more governments have commented on the result of the congressional election. The basis is projections according to which the Democrats win the Senate and the House of Representatives. There is no official final result yet. The lines diverge: some governments hope for new initiatives, others stress Europe's own strength, Mexico wants to wait and see.

Germany: continuity and change. According to ZDFheute (14:48 CET), Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) said in Berlin that for Germany the result initially means continuity: “At the same time, these elections mean a change.” The Democrats would try to change the course of the US. He expects new talks across both parties on support for Ukraine. The federal government remains in close contact with the administration and Congress. According to the agency AFP at the Korea Times (16:44 CET), he also sees an opportunity for new initiatives, for instance in the Middle East. No statement from Chancellor Merz could be found by about 17:30 CET.

EU: more pressure on Russia. According to the agency LaPresse (16:32 CET), EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said in response to a question at a press conference that she hoped the new Congress would continue to support Ukraine and increase the pressure on Russia: “Europe and the United States are much stronger together”.

France: good news, but strengthen Europe. According to AFP at L'essentiel (16:24 CET), Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called the Democrats' victory “une excellente nouvelle pour la démocratie américaine” (excellent news for American democracy). At the same time, he warned against abandoning the building of a stronger Europe.

United Kingdom: cost of living at the centre. According to AFP at the Korea Times, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Trump had acknowledged the result. The world now has the chance to rally around the issue that affects everyone: the cost of living.

Poland: advice on the veto. According to Rzeczpospolita (12:22 CET), Prime Minister Donald Tusk said at a joint press conference with Czech Prime Minister Babiš that democracy had won in the US. Trump remains president. His advice to him: “Moja rada byłaby żeby nie nadużywać weta, jako metody rządzenia.” (My advice would be not to abuse the veto as a method of governing.)

Austria: exceptionally clear. According to the agency APA at news.at (14:05 CET), Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) called the shift in power exceptional on the Ö1-Mittagsjournal because it was so clear. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) wrote on X that the security and prosperity of Austria and Europe must not depend on how people in Kansas or Iowa vote. Europe must strengthen its own capabilities.

Mexico: wait and see. According to Proyecto Puente (16:19 CET), President Claudia Sheinbaum said at her morning press conference that the result reflects the will of the Americans. She highlighted the Democrats of Mexican origin Xavier Becerra (California) and Gina Hinojosa (Texas). Whether relations will change is open: “hay que esperar” (we have to wait and see). Mexico is relying on sovereignty and cooperation on trade and security.

No statements on the result could be found by about 17:30 CET from France's President Macron, EU Commission President von der Leyen, NATO Secretary General Rutte, Canada's Prime Minister Carney, Ukrainian President Zelensky or Brazil's President Lula. These are the views of the respective governments. The reactions from the morning are under Reports, what the new Congress can do from January is in the timeline.