The Socialists and Democrats salute the US Congress’ confirmation of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’s victory in the November presidential election. Yesterday’s assault on the Capitol by a violent mob of Trump’s supporters shows how important democracy and civility are. We look forward to rebuilding and strengthening our transatlantic relations.

S&D leader Iratxe García Pérez MEP said:

“I am still shocked by the images of the assault on the Capitol yesterday. However, it should come as no surprise. With his irresponsible behaviour, Trump has been feeding anger and promoting conspiracy theories for years. The violence we saw yesterday shows how dangerous extreme-right populism is for democracy and for the rule of law. Too many Republicans gave in to Trump’s abuses and hate rhetoric for too long. When the mainstream right compromises with such populistic leaders they become their accomplices.

“It is time to heal the wounds and unite the country again around the rule of law, freedom and diversity. That's the strength of American democracy. No one can achieve this better than Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. I congratulate them and our friends in the Democratic Party. They have won the majority in the Senate and a historic victory in Georgia, with the first African American senator from that state.

“Criminal liability for the casualties in the Capitol will be clarified by prosecutors, but the moral responsibility seems pretty clear and Donald Trump is in no position to lead the transition to the new administration."

Tonino Picula MEP, the European Parliament’s lead negotiator on US relations and S&D spokesperson on foreign affairs, added:

“Trump has eroded American democratic institutions since the beginning of his term and yesterday he directly threatened their existence. He was never interested in governance, but rather destruction was the main theme of his mandate.

“We are looking forward to the inauguration of President-Elect Biden. We hope that this event will be peaceful with full respect for the institution of the president and the democratic foundations of the US.

“We hope that after the victory in Georgia it will be much easier for President Biden to implement his agenda. We look forward to future co-operation in rebuilding and strengthening the transatlantic relationship, and will work together for a multilateral system, based on fair rules, shared values, democracy and the rule of law.”