European leaders on Syria: End of barbaric regime and sign of Russia’s weakness

The fall of the Assad regime in Syria, which Russia and Iran supported, prompted reactions from political leaders of the EU and EU countries. In their statements, they noted a sign of Russia’s weakness (if not a geopolitical defeat) and the long-awaited collapse of the bloody dictatorship.

However, at the same time, European political leaders emphasize the need to restore law and order, democratic processes, and protect religious minorities in Syria. They also warn that other radicals should not come to power in the country.

Macron: A barbaric state has been overthrown

French President Emmanuel Macron reacted to the events in Syria, where rebels have taken control of the capital, Damascus, and dictator Bashar al-Assad has fled. Macron wrote about this on his X account.

“The barbaric state has been overthrown. Finally. I pay tribute to the courage and patience of the Syrian people. At this time of uncertainty, I wish them peace, freedom, and unity. France will remain committed to the security of all in the Middle East,” Emmanuel Macron wrote.

France, Emmanuel Macron added, will remain committed to the security of everyone in the Middle East.

British Prime Minister welcomes fall of barbaric regime in Syria

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has welcomed the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s “barbaric regime” in Syria. BBC cited Starmer’s statement on Sunday. The head of the UK government called for “peace and stability” in the country, where rebels overthrew longtime dictator Assad.

“The developments in Syria in recent hours and days are unprecedented, and we are speaking to our partners in the region and monitoring the situation closely. The Syrian people have suffered under Assad’s barbaric regime for too long, and we welcome his departure,” Keir Starmer said.

Scholz on Syria: “Good news”

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the end of the Assad regime in Syria “good news.” Spiegel quoted the Chancellor’s statement.

According to Scholz, the Syrian people have suffered terribly—the ousted dictator Assad “brutally oppressed his own people.”

“He has countless human lives on his conscience and has forced many people to flee Syria, many of whom have also come to Germany,” Olaf Scholz said.

Next, the chancellor emphasized the need to quickly restore law and order and to protect all religious communities and minorities both now and in the future.

Scholz believes that a political solution to the conflict in Syria remains possible in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. Adopted in 2015, the resolution mandates the drafting of a constitution and the holding of elections under UN supervision.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that after Assad, Syria should not fall into the hands of other radicals. According to the German foreign policy chief, it is “impossible to say exactly what is happening in Syria,” but one thing is clear: for millions of people in Syria, the end of Assad means the first great relief after an eternity of atrocities committed by his regime.

Fiala: Assad’s reliance on Russia failed

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said that Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad’s bet on Russia has failed.

“We are monitoring the situation in Syria. It is clear that Assad’s bet on Russia did not work out in the end. Let us wish Syria stability and freedom, not chaos or terrorist rule. We advise Czech citizens to leave the country. If any Czech citizen on the ground needs help, they can contact the Czech Embassy or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” Petr Fiala wrote.

Kallas on Syria: It’s a weakness for Russia and Iran

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas reacted to the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, noting that she sees it as a weakness for Russia and Iran.

Kallas called the end of Assad’s dictatorship a “positive and long-awaited event.” “It also shows the weakness of Assad’s supporters, Russia and Iran,” she said.

“The end of Assad’s dictatorship is a positive and long-awaited development. It also shows the weakness of Assad’s backers, Russia and Iran. Our priority is to ensure security in the region. I will work with all the constructive partners in Syria and in the region,” Kaja Kallas wrote.

Rebel forces control Syria; Assad fled to Moscow.

On December 8, in the morning, rebel forces in Damascus declared the capital “free” of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad. They said that state institutions would remain under the supervision of the former prime minister until the official transfer of power.

On Sunday afternoon, the Foreign Ministry of the Russian Federation, which was an ally of the Assad regime, issued a statement announcing that Bashar Assad had left the presidency and Syria. According to media reports, Assad flew to Moscow.