The death of former US President Jimmy Carter caused great sympathy around the globe. Carter died on Sunday at the age of 100 surrounded by his family in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, as Carter’s foundation announced. Numerous heads of state and government expressed their sadness. US President Joe Biden praised Carter as a “man of great character and courage, hope and optimism”.
The Democrat Carter ruled in the White House from 1977 to 1981. After his first term in office, he was not re-elected – he lost the election to Republican Ronald Reagan. Carter’s term in office was overshadowed by the hostage-taking of diplomats at the US embassy in Tehran in 1979 and the failed liberation mission the following year.
Biden: “Compassion and moral clarity”
After leaving the presidency, Carter and his wife Rosalynn founded the Carter Center in Atlanta to promote democracy, human rights and economic development. Rosalynn, to whom he was married for 77 years, died just over a year ago.
In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his “decades of commitment to the peaceful resolution of international conflicts.” He remained actively involved in his humanitarian work well into his old age. Carter was the oldest living former US president. None of his predecessors lived to be older than him.
With compassion and moral clarity, Carter campaigned for the eradication of disease, peace, the promotion of civil and human rights, free and fair elections, the homeless and the poorest, Biden said. “He has saved, improved and changed the lives of people around the world.”
National Day of Mourning on January 9th
Biden declared January 9 a national day of mourning and ordered the US flag at the White House and flags at all government buildings, military installations and embassies abroad to be flown at half-mast for 30 days. Biden said he would also order a state funeral to take place in the capital, Washington.
A public memorial service is also planned in Carter’s home state of Georgia. Carter is survived by four children, eleven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. “My father was a hero – not just to me, but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights and selfless love,” the foundation quoted Carter’s son Chip as saying.
Trump: Americans owe a debt of gratitude to Carter
Biden’s designated successor Donald Trump also paid tribute to the ex-president. Carter “did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans” during a challenging time. Everyone owes him a huge debt of gratitude for this. Contrary to custom, Carter also repeatedly criticized subsequent presidents – including the Republican Trump. After leaving the White House, Carter repeatedly got involved in politics.
Scholz and Macron pay tribute to Carter
Many politicians from abroad also paid respect to the 39th President of the United States. “Throughout his life, Carter was a steadfast defender of the rights of the weakest,” wrote French President Emmanuel Macron on the X platform. Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) wrote on X that the “USA is losing a committed champion of democracy.”
The royal family spoke up from Great Britain. “His commitment and humility were an inspiration to many,” said King Charles III. with. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that Carter redefined the period after his presidency “with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad.”
Appreciation as a peacemaker
“He dedicated his life to promoting peace in the world and defending human rights. Let us remember today: peace is important, and the world must continue to stand united against those who threaten these values,” the Ukrainian said President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi recalled Carter’s role in bringing about the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel. “His humanitarian commitment is an example of a high level of love, peace and brotherhood,” he wrote on X.
The last years were marked by illness
Carter’s health was poor recently. In February 2023, after several hospital stays, he stopped his medical treatment and went into home care. In November he fulfilled his wish and voted by mail in the US presidential election. Carter had previously made it clear to Biden that he wanted to support Democrat Kamala Harris.
Carter made it public in 2015 that he had cancer, but he was able to overcome it. In recent years, Carter has been hospitalized several times because of falls.
In November 2019, Carter made it clear at a service in his hometown of Plains that he viewed death with calm. “I didn’t ask God to let me live,” he said. “I asked God to give me an appropriate attitude toward death. And I found that I was completely at peace with death.”
