World leaders react to Democrats’ midterm victory

Democrats won the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, drawing reactions from political leaders around the world who described the result as a possible shift in Washington’s direction while stressing that its policy consequences remain uncertain. The international responses followed a campaign in which control of Congress was at stake. The supplied post-election reporting does not give final House or Senate seat totals, so the extent of the Democrats’ gains and the precise balance of power were not established in the accounts describing the reactions. Several European leaders interpreted the result as a rebuke to President Donald Trump’s policies. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said voters had rejected policies he associated with economic hardship, sexism and climate denial. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere called the result a “powerful political signal” and said voices closer to Norway’s positions on climate, foreign policy and development aid were emerging in U.S. politics. Other European officials cautioned against assuming a rapid change in policy. European Parliament Vice President Christel Schaldemose said the outcome could affect support for Ukraine and...