World Leaders Respond to Brexit Vote
- Updated Jun 24, 2016
In an historic vote, Britain has chosen to officially withdraw from the European Union (EU), in what is known as “Brexit.”
ABC News reports that after the results came in last night, world leaders began responding, commenting on the impact they foresee the decision will have on their countries and the world.
French President Francois Hollande stated, "I profoundly regret this decision for the United Kingdom and for Europe, but the choice is theirs and we have to respect it.”
Ireland’s Prime Minister Enda Kenny said that Britain’s leaving the EU has “very significant implications” for Ireland.
Many Britons, mainly retirees, have made their home in Spain, and the majority of them voted to remain in the EU. After the voting results came in, Spain’s foreign minister suggested sharing Gibraltar with Britain.
Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel, like Hollande, expressed disappointment with Britain’s decision. A member of Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union even went so far as to call Brexit the “biggest catastrophe in the history of European integration.”
Even countries as far away as Japan and South Korea responded to Brexit. Many countries are primarily concerned with the potential economic impact the decision will have.
Publication date: June 24, 2016
