World leaders react to Labour Party's landslide win in UK election

ATHENS

World leaders on Friday reacted to the British Labour Party’s landslide victory in UK general elections, bringing a dramatic end to 14 years of Conservative Party rule.

Congratulating Labour leader Keir Starmer on the victory, EU Council President Charles Michel said on X that he is looking forward to working with the government led by Starmer.

“The EU and the UK are crucial partners, cooperating in all areas of mutual interest for our citizens,” he said.

Similarly, EU Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen said: “I look forward to working with you in a constructive partnership to address common challenges and strengthen European security.”

French President Emmanuel Macron said on X: “We will continue the work begun with the UK for our bilateral cooperation, for peace and security in Europe, for the climate and for AI.”

Highlighting that the UK and Germany are closely linked in terms of politics, business, and civil society, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said: "I look forward to deepening our cooperation in NATO, the G7 and between our governments."

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on X: "I am sure that we will continue to cultivate a strong and reliable collaborative relationship between our great Nations, in the interests of our citizens and in line with common strategic objectives.”

Spain, Norway, Finland, Latvia, Greece, Ukraine

Also congratulating Starmer, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on X, "Spain and the United Kingdom are friendly, partner and allied countries. We will continue to work together to address global challenges based on the values ​​we share."

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stone said: “I’m looking forward to continuing our close cooperation between UK and Norway including on the energy transition, our common security and trade.”

Maintaining that the UK is among the country’s most important security and economic partners, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said on X: “I look forward to continuing our close cooperation and deepening the excellent relations between our countries.”

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics said on X that he is “looking forward to close cooperation fostering bilateral relations and addressing many challenges the world and Europe face.”

Similarly, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on X: “The Greek Government is ready to work together to further deepen the close friendship and cooperation between our countries.”

Stressing close relations with the UK, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wished the new government “every success both in domestic affairs and in solidifying the UK’s leadership on the world stage.”

In Thursday’s elections, the Labour Party secured 412 seats in 650 constituencies with 33.7% of the vote.

The Conservative Party, which ruled the country for the last 14 years, suffered a major defeat by losing 250 seats, from 471 to 141, with 23.7% of the vote.