US president Donald Trump has spoken of a "tremendous success" after the Republican party retained control of the Senate in the US midterm elections.
Democrats have won control of the House of Representatives in the US midterm elections although the party’s hoped-for “blue wave” failed to materialise
As election results continue to come in around the country, Democrats were forecast to secure a net gain of at least 35 seats in the 435-seat chamber prompting Democrat minority leader Nancy Pelosi to pledge her party would use the majority to restore the constitution's checks and balances on the Trump administration.
The European Union’s deputy chief executive hailed Democratic victories in comments that took a clear swipe at what he called “rudeness” and “racism” under President Donald Trump.
"Inspired by voters in the US who chose hope over fear, civility over rudeness, inclusion over racism, equality over discrimination," tweeted Frans Timmermans, a former Dutch foreign minister who is first vice president of the European Commission led by Jean-Claude Juncker.
“They stood up for their values. And so will we,” he added.
Campaigning is getting under way in Europe for May elections to the European Parliament, in which Mr Timmermans is leading the campaign for the centre-left.
A fellow Socialist commissioner, former French finance minister Pierre Moscovici who oversees economic affairs, also tweeted an ironic comment about mr Trump .
“The Democrats win the House of Representatives for the first time in eight years despite powerful Republican gerrymandering,” Mr Moscovici wrote. “Donald Trump is right: ‘Tremendous success tonight’.”
There was no immediate official comment from Mr Juncker or the Commission as an institution.
Mr Trump’s criticisms of the EU, including praise for Britain’s decision to leave the bloc, his policies in the Middle East and threats of a trade war against the Union, worry EU leaders.
Commission President Juncker secured a deal with Mr Trump in July to stave off new US tariffs on EU goods, but relations remain tense. However, losing control of the House may undermine Mr Trump’s ability to push through some of his trade policies. - Reuters