Europe’s liberals have reacted strongly to last week’s unprecedented events in Washington, condemning any attacks against the democratic will of the people. On 6 January, a pro-Trump mob tried to stop the congressional confirmation of Joe Biden's Electoral College victory by violently storming the US Capitol building. The attack on the Capitol – considered as one of the most important democratic institutions worldwide – has shaken the world. These events are part of a longer list of extremist threats, which continue to grow in number abroad and at home in Europe and, therefore, we must continue to fight the lies in all elections and beyond to uphold the fabric of democracy.

Disinformation campaigns like Donald Trump’s election lies and the rampant spread of COVID-19 misinformation online are distorting the truth and undermining our efforts toward a free and open society.

In their statements after the events, liberal leaders from the ALDE Party family reaffirmed their commitment for democracy. Some of these reactions are collected below:

ALDE Party President, Hans van Baalen

🇺🇸 President Trump incited mob. US Congress desecrated by hooligans. Unprecedented. Un-American. We Europeans believe in US Democracy. President @realDonaldTrump accept your defeat or leave now! #Capitol #WashingtonDC @ALDEParty

— Hans van Baalen (@hansvanbaalen) January 7, 2021

President of the European Council, Charles Michel

The US Congress is a temple of democracy.

To witness tonight’s scenes in #WashingtonDC is a shock.

We trust the US to ensure a peaceful transfer of power to @JoeBiden

— Charles Michel (@eucopresident) January 6, 2021

Renew Europe Group Leader, Dacian Ciolos

The poison of populism & divisions sown by @realDonaldTrump is not without consequences.

Full support to our American friends committed to democracy & the rule of law.

Nothing could be less 🇺🇸 than this. pic.twitter.com/iHynFgXOB6

— Dacian Cioloş (@CiolosDacian) January 6, 2021

Prime Minister of Belgium, Alexander De Croo

Shock and disbelief at ongoing events at the US Capitol, symbol of American democracy.

We trust the strong institutions of the United States will overcome this challenging moment. Full support to President-elect @joebiden.

— Alexander De Croo (@alexanderdecroo) January 6, 2021

Vice President of the European Parliament Nicola Beer

Democracy is a temporary grant of power. The violent attempt to prevent the democratically legitimized transfer of power in the USA is to be condemned in the strongest! We have to oppose those who question our democratic foundations! @ALDEParty #Capitol @RenewEurope https://t.co/LB07uaOWe0

— Nicola Beer (@nicolabeerfdp) January 6, 2021

⚠️ What happened last night in Washington, DC 🇺🇸 is what lies and disinformation do to democracies. As liberals, we condemn any attacks against executing the democratic will of the people. Together, we fight the lies! #ALDEact pic.twitter.com/cGOiKStipp

— ALDE Party (@ALDEParty) January 7, 2021