Locals React to the U.S. Presidential Election

The election results are in: Donald J. Trump has defeated Hillary Clinton to become the 45th president of the United States with the Republicans winning control of both the House and Senate. 

Jiří Ovčáček, media spokesperson for Czech president Miloš Zeman tweeted this morning:

“Lies and hatred can be defeated. Normal Americans have demonstrated that it is possible to defeat the lying media power conglomerate and stuck-up pseudo elites. Let’s also show in 2018 that we can beat the alliance of media and elites.”

Czechs are taking to Facebook with a mixture of sadness and humor:

“[A] generation migrated centuries back for better life in USA the land of opportunities and dreams come true … Now we [are] all moving back to Europe,” Sylvie Matthews posted on the CrowdSauce CZ Facebook page.

Vít Špaňhel expressed fear and uncertainty: “Well America you have spoken…I just hope that he will not become MY problem as well!” 

Another Facebook user deadpanned: “9-11-2016: Never forget.”

Meanwhile, American expats throughout the country are expressing disbelief.

“What’s the process of gaining asylum in Czechia?” James Heald asked the CrowdSauce CZ Facebook group.

Julia Bryan, chairman of Democrats Abroad Czech Republic told Expats.cz in a phone call this morning:

“Clearly we are disappointed by the results of the election. We recognize that we’re going to have to work hard for the Senate races in 2018 and meanwhile remain vigilant that Congress maintains the checks and balances that are an important part of our democractic political system.”