European Perspectives on the US Presidential Election
As the United States gears up for its presidential election on Tuesday, Europe is keenly observing the developments, with polls indicating a neck-and-neck race. Key states are up for grabs, and both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are struggling to secure a definitive lead. The implications of this election extend beyond domestic issues, influencing the future of US trade relations and foreign policy, particularly regarding NATO amidst ongoing global tensions. Euronews correspondents from major European capitals share insights on public sentiment in their regions.
George Dimitropoulos, Euronews Athens:
A recent survey in Greece revealed that 46% of Greek citizens believe that the first female vice president of the US, Kamala Harris, is poised to become the first female president. In contrast, only 32% of respondents expressed confidence in Donald Trump making a comeback to the White House. Regarding Greek national priorities, 30% of Greeks feel Harris aligns more closely with their interests, while a mere 10% believe Trump would better serve their country’s needs.
Liv Stroud, Euronews Berlin:
Germany has a lot at stake in this election. Polls indicate that two-thirds of Germans favor Harris as the next US president, with only 12% supporting a Trump victory. Notably, those 12% also tend to lean toward the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Regardless of the election’s outcome, many anticipate that the US may increasingly turn its focus inward, which could spell significant consequences for NATO’s unity and effectiveness.
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Adam Magyar, Euronews Budapest:
The Hungarian government has cleverly transformed the US presidential election into a domestic political issue. The announcement of next year’s budget has been postponed, with officials suggesting that a Trump victory would lead to peace in Ukraine, necessitating a budget suited for peace rather than conflict. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was among the first foreign leaders to support Trump in 2016 and has remained loyal to him ever since. Current polls reveal that 75% of his supporters want Trump to win, while only 1% back Harris. Interestingly, among opposition parties, only the far-right Our Country Party appears to align with Trump’s candidacy.
Joana Mourão Carvalho, Euronews Lisbon:
If given the chance to vote, Portuguese citizens would overwhelmingly support Kamala Harris for president, with a staggering 70% favoring the Democratic candidate. According to a recent study by Intercampus, most Portuguese believe Harris is likely to win, as only 28% are convinced that Trump will emerge victorious. Moreover, 65% of respondents agree that the election’s outcome will significantly influence Portugal’s economy, social progress, and conflict management.
Christina Thykjaer, Euronews Madrid:
A recent report from the Franklin Institute at the University of Alcalá indicates that 75% of Spaniards believe a victory for Harris would be more beneficial for Spain than a return of Trump. Additionally, 60% of Spaniards think that the Democratic candidate has a better chance of winning. While the socialist government has openly endorsed Harris, the ruling Popular Party has opted to remain neutral before the election.
Sophia Khatsenkova, Euronews Paris:
The upcoming US elections are generating considerable public interest in France. A YouGov survey found that half of the French population has been closely following the presidential campaign for several weeks. Notably, more than half of these individuals are male and reside in Paris. Among those surveyed, 55% expressed a desire for Kamala Harris to win, while only 20% would cast their support for Trump. Furthermore, one-third of respondents believe Harris is the most capable candidate to address the global crises in Ukraine and the Middle East, while only 22% think Trump would excel in foreign policy.
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Giorgia Orlandi, Euronews Rome:
Italians are closely monitoring the US elections, aware that the results will have far-reaching implications. These elections are not just pivotal for the US; they will also significantly impact global dynamics, including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as China’s rise. A recent poll conducted by YouTrend shows that a majority of Italians prefer Kamala Harris as the next president, with an impressive 78% backing her candidacy, compared to just 22% for Donald Trump. These findings resonate with what many citizens in the Italian capital express in their conversations.
