Brexit Reactions

From Wikipedia;
"International reactions to the United Kingdom European Union membership referendum, 2016"

Political:

European Union:

•  European Union - President of the European Council Donald Tusk said: "This is not a moment for hysterical reactions. Today on behalf of the 27 leaders I can say that we are determined to keep our unity as 27. Until the UK formally leaves the EU, EU law will continue to apply to and within the UK, and by this I mean rights, as well as obligations. All the procedures for the withdrawal of the UK from the EU are set out in the treaties. In order to discuss the details, I have offered an informal meeting of the 27 in the margins of the European council next week. I have also proposed we start a wider reflection of the future of our union.^[

President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz said: "We respect the result. We have clarity for the UK to go its own way. Now is the time for us to behave seriously and responsibly. David Cameron has his responsibilities for his country, we have our responsibilities for the future of the EU. You can see what is happening to sterling on the markets. I don't want the same thing to happen to the euro."

The European Central Bank issued a statement that read: "Following the outcome of the UK referendum, the European Central Bank is closely monitoring financial markets and is in close contact with other central banks. The ECB stands ready to provide additional liquidity, if needed, in euro and foreign currencies. The ECB has prepared for this contingency in close contact with the banks that it supervises and considers that the euro area banking system is resilient in terms of capital and liquidity."

• The G7 was expected to make a statement in regards to whether there is any coordinated intervention to ease monetary policy by global central banks.
•  NATO - Leader Jens Stoltenberg said: "The UK will remain a strong and committed NATO ally and will continue to play its leading role in our alliance."

States

•  Austria - Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz said that "a domino effect on other countries cannot be ruled out." Although he added that the EU as a whole would survive.
•  Belgium - Prime Minister Charles Michel said that EU member states should meet to "define priorities and set out a new future for Europe."
•  Bulgaria - Prime Minister Boyko Borisov said of potential contagion that "only Bulgaria, Romania and Greece will remain when the domino effect is set off."
•  Czech Republic - President Miloš Zeman said that the result could have an unpleasant influence on the European Union because the United Kingdom will no longer balance French and German influence. He also noted that he was disappointed by the result and that it could worsen the economic conditions in the Czech Republic.

Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka said that the result is "not the end of world, nor it is the end of the European union. He also said Europe should change. because the project needs stronger support of citizens.Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Andrej Babiš said the European Union should respect the decision and should not force remaining countries to stronger integration.

• • The ODS issued a statement that read the result was "the last warning before others will go." It also called for change in functioning and strategy of European Union. Leader of the party Petr Fiala said that the Czech Republic "should reconsider its existence in European Union" and negotiate new conditions for the country.
  • Eurosceptic parties welcomed the result and called for a similar referendum. The Party of Free Citizens called for similar referendum because "European Union has changed since 2003 and three million newly eligible citizens could not vote at the time due to their age. Freedom and Direct Democracy stated that it will propose, in parliament, a referendum on the withdrawal of the Czech Republic from the European Union.MP Ivo Valenta, member of Senate, called for a "Czexit" and criticised the European Union for bad legislation, bad immigration policy and for having an army of bureaucrats.
•  Finland - Minister for Foreign Affairs and the leader of the Finns Party Timo Soini said that "the nation has had its say" and that "any retaliation and whinge is out of the question."
•  France - Front National leader Marine Le Pen wrote: "Victory for freedom! As I have been asking for years, now we need to have the same referendum in France and in the countries of the EU." Her niece and party member, Marion Marechal-Le Pen wrote: "From #Brexit to #Frexit: It's now time to import democracy to our country. The French must have the right to choose!" Les Republicains leader for the Paris regions Valerie Pecresse wrote: ""It's a thunderbolt. Nobody believed this could happen. I was convinced nobody would choose to undo what we have strived so long to build. We need to rethink Europe. The French must know that the EU protects them. We need a Europe that is more democratic and less bureaucratic."
  • Ambassador to the U.S. Gerard Araud wrote: "Now to the other Members states to save the EU from unravelling which excludes business as usual, especially in Brussels. Reform or die!"
•  Germany - Chancellor Angela Merkel said, after a meeting with Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern, that Europe should discuss the result "together and in calm," while warning against hectic reactions. She noted the referendum result would be tabled during an EU summit in Brussels the following week.

Leader of the European People's Party and Christian Social Union MEP Manfred Weber wrote: "Exit negotiations should be concluded within 2 years at max. There cannot be any special treatment. Leave means leave."

Vice-Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel wrote: "Damn! A bad day for Europe."

Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier wrote: "The news from Britain is really sobering. It looks like a sad day for Europe and Britain."

•  Greece - Prime minister Alexis Tsipras in a televised address to the nation argued that “it was a difficult day for Europe” and that “the EU has been dealt a blow” In his statement the Prime Minister underlined that the result is respected and estimated that the message had long been sent, as reflected by the rise of far right politics in Europe. According to the Greek Prime Minister the gap is widening and a “return to the so-called security of national entrenchment” will lead to a dead end. PM Tsipras elaborated that an immediate change of course is necessary to defend against the far right.

New Democracy MP Dora Bakoyannis said: "The cost of populism emerged today in all its glory. Mr Cameron is bearing great responsibility. It's a hard day for Europe and an even harder day for the UK."

•  Ireland - The Taoiseach's office issues a statement that read: "This result clearly has very significant implications for Ireland, as well as for Britain and for the European Union."
•  Italy - Lega Nord leader Matteo Salvini wrote: "Hurrah for the courage of free citizens! Heart, brain and pride defeated lies, threats and blackmail. THANK YOU UK, now it's our turn."
•  Netherlands - Prime Minister Mark Rutte said: "The dissatisfaction you see in Britain is also present in other countries, including my own. This has to be a stimulus for more reform, more welfare." He added: "First the British have to decide when they want to start the process of leaving."
  • MP and Dutch Freedom Party leader Geert Wilders wrote in congratulations of the outcome and that it is "Time for a Dutch referendum!"
•  Poland - Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski said: "Brexit is bad news for Britain and Europe. It is a sign the EU concept needs to change."
•  Slovakia - Prime Minister Robert Fico said that Slovakia respects the decision to leave the European Union and further noted that it is not a "tragedy but a reality". He also said that the European Union should change its policy because many people are not satisfied with its migration and economic policies. He added that the result would influence the Slovak six-month tenure as president of the European Commission.
•  Spain Acting Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo called for joint control over the disputed territory of Gibraltar, which voted overwhelmingly in favor of remaining in the EU.^[

Others:

States

•  Australia - Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said: "The impact on Australia immediately, directly, from a legal point of view, will be very limited because it will take some years for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union, to negotiate an exit. However, we've seen already large falls on stock markets and there will be a degree of uncertainty for some time." He added that this was a "momentous and historic decision." He also insisted "there is no cause for Australians to be alarmed by these developments" and that "it is important to remember that the Australian economy is strong and resilient and has weathered global shocks before and weathered them well."
•  Brazil - The Itamaraty Palace issued a statement saying the country remains as the EU partner, but says it will strengthen relations between Brazil and the United Kingdom. The note also says that the country sees with "respect" the outcome of the referendum, and trust that this decision will stop the process of European integration.
•  Canada - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: "The people of the UK have chosen to leave the EU. The UK and the EU are important strategic partners for Canada with whom we enjoy deep historical ties and common values. We will continue to build relations with both parties as they forge a new relationship. [...] Prime Minister David Cameron indicated today that he will resign by the fall. On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to thank him for being such a close ally and good friend to our country. We wish him well."
•  India - Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said: "In this globalized world, volatility and uncertainty are the new norms. This verdict will obviously further contribute to such volatility not least because its full implications for the UK, Europe and the rest of the world are still uncertain. All countries around the world will have to brace themselves for a period of possible turbulence while being watchful about, and alert to, the referendum's medium term impacts."
•  Ira - Foreign Ministry said in a statement: "The Islamic Republic of Iran, as a democratic state are respected to British vote to leave the European Union and considered it as will of the majority of its people in setting its foreign relations. Iran has always called for expansion of relations with European countries based on mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs and the withdrawal of Great Britain from the European Union will not change Islamic Republic's relations with that country."
•  Japan - Finance Minister Taro Aso said he would carefully monitoring financial market developments and respond as and when needed in the currency markets. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroshige Seko said the government was worried about financial market volatility as a result of the vote as being "undesirable."
•  Norway - Prime Minister Erna Solberg said: "The referendum in the UK marks a crossroads for European cooperation. Britain's decision pose[s] policy challenges. Europe's leaders must get a grasp on the instability and lack of confidence many voters feel."
  • The Red Party wants a referendum on whether Norway should leave or remain a member of the European Economic Area. Party leader Bjørnar Moxnes said: "If also the United Kingdoms stands outside the European Union and negotiating a separate agreement with the EU, it will make it easier for Norway to get a more normal trade agreement with the EU than with the EEA agreement."
  • The Centre Party politician Per Olaf Lundteigen said: "The Centre Party must work even more powerfully to terminate the EEA agreement and replace it with a trade agreement.", as a reaction to the Brexit.
•  Russia - Russian President Vladimir Putin said "The consequences will be global, they are inevitable; they will be both positive and negative. ... It is a choice of the British people. We did not interfere and we are not going to interfere." Deputy Finance Minister Alexei Moiseyev said "This will of course reduce the appetite of investors to take risks. But I do not see any serious risks for Russia". Mayor of Moscow, Sergey Sobyanin wrote in his twitter "Without the U.K., there will be nobody in the EU to defend sanctions against Russia so zealously". Head of the Federation Council's foreign affairs committee, Konstantin Kosachyov said the results of the referendum show that the EU failed "to fulfill its primary mission- to become transparent and convenient for citizens".
•  Turkey - Deputy Prime Minister Nurettin Canikli said: "The period of the disintegration of the European Union has begun. And the first vessel to have departed is Britain."
•  United States - Republican Party presumptive presidential nominee Donald Trump said, after arriving in Scotland: "I think it's a great thing. I think it's a fantastic thing." U.S. President Barack Obama stated that he respects the decision made by the people of the UK, despite not supporting the country leaving the EU.

Economic:

The Euro fell by almost four percent against the United States dollar, while traditional "safe haven assets" such as gold and the Japanese Yen surged. Crude oil prices fell.The flagship French CAC 40 and German DAX initially fell by over 10% upon opening, while bank shares from the two countries fell by more. Likewise, the Spanish IBEX 35, Greek ATHEX, Dutch AEX index, Czech PX Index and Polish WIG30 all fell by eight to 15 percent. The Swiss franc, a traditional save haven asset, rose sharply, thus prompting the Swiss National Bank to intervene in the foreign exchange market to cap the rise. It issues a statement that read: "Following the United Kingdom's vote to leave the European Union, the Swiss franc came under upward pressure. The Swiss National Bank has intervened in the foreign exchange market to stabilise the situation and will remain active in that market." Yields on European sovereign bonds spiked, with 10-year bonds in Spain and Italy rose as much as 0.40% in early trades.In the Asian-Pacific region, an unnamed official at the Bank of Korea in South Korea declined to comment on rumours it intervened in the foreign exchange market, but Vice Finance Minister Choi Sang-Mok said the government would take all efforts to minimise the impact of the result. An unnamed policymaker with knowledge of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) plans for related market management said that it was "prepared to deal with any volatility." The Australian dollar, which has traditionally been sold off in times of financial market uncertainty, fell strongly against the dollar and the yen. Other traditional markers of uncertainty, such as interbank dollar funding rates in Singapore and Hong Kong, were more steady. Hong Kong Financial Secretary John Tsang said: "Because of this matter, we have made preparation in many aspects. We have reserved sufficient liquidity and we are able to handle in different situations." The Hong Kong Monetary Authority asked banks within its jurisdiction to maintain ample cash conditions and that no unscheduled monetary liquidity injection operations had been taken. The Singapore stock exchange sought to reduce volatility by raising margins on Nikkei futures traded on its exchange. The Chinese yuan fell to its weakest level against the U.S. dollar since January 2011 while its offshore counterpart slipped to its weakest level in more than four months, despite a possibly unrelated People's Bank of China injected 170 billion yuan into the system. The Philippines Central Bank issued a statement that read it was closely monitoring the foreign exchange market and would be prepared to act to ensure orderly transactions and smooth volatility. In the U.S.A., government bonds effectively priced in a small FOMC interest rate cut from a rate increase in July. Every two months, a conclave of many major central bank governors is held in Basel, Switzerland at the Bank of International Settlements. This month the meeting coincided with the day following the vote. RBI's Raghuram Rajan, who had previously called for greater coordination for such situations, issued a statement that sought to allay concerns about the impact of the vote on Indian financial markets and reiterated the RBI's promise to provide necessary liquidity support to ensure orderly movements. He also sought to reassure investors about India's preparedness to deal with the eventuality and that the Indian rupee's fall was relatively moderate compared to many other currencies.

Business:

Anton Boerner, head of Germany's foreign trade association, said: "That is a catastrophic result for Britain and also for Europe and Germany, especially the German economy. It is disturbing that the oldest democracy in the world turns its back on us."

Media:

The BBC highlighted uncertain reactions from the EU, Ireland and Greece.

Others:

Former Czech President Václav Klaus said the result was a victory for democrats who want to live in a free world and it would change the thinking of millions of people in Europe. He compared the result to the British resistance against Napoleon Bonaparte and Adolf Hitler. He also stated that it would not have any economic effect on the Czech Republic.

^ You can just see how scared the EU member-states are from these and other reactions. The same can be found throughout the United Kingdom. As I said before: no one seems to know what will happen now and the not-knowing leads people to be scared and fear the worst.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_reactions_to_the_United_Kingdom_European_Union_