With a result of 58.5%, the incumbent president is ahead of Marine Le Pen (41.5%). The far right reaches its highest historical level in a presidential election. The abstention rate is 28%.
The re-election, Sunday, of Emmanuel Macron at the end of a second round marked by a progression of the far right was applauded in European capitals, which also stressed the European challenges ahead for the French president. European Union leaders were pleased that Europe can “count on France for five more years,” in the words of European Council President Charles Michel, who represents the member states. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, “I am delighted that we can continue our excellent cooperation. Together we will move France and Europe forward,” he added.
Many European leaders hail Emmanuel Macron‘s victory
“Emmanuel Macron’s victory in the French presidential election is wonderful news for the whole of Europe,” reacted the head of the Italian government, Mario Draghi, in a statement.
In a tweet Pedro Sanchez, Spanish socialist prime minister congratulated the French president “Citizens have chosen a France committed to a free, strong and fair EU. Democracy wins. Europe wins. Congratulations Emmanuel Macron”
Boris Johnson, despite the complicated relationship, congratulated Emmanuel Macron in a tweet in French on his re-election. Stating that France was one of the UK’s “closest” allies, the British prime minister said he was “happy to continue working” with the French president.
Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin also welcomed the re-election of Macron, whose “dynamic and methodical leadership is important not only for France but also for Europe.”
“Congratulations, dear President @EmmanuelMacron,” tweeted Germany’s Social Democrat leader, Olaf Scholz. Your voters have sent a strong signal for Europe today. I look forward to our continued good cooperation!”
As for the Belgian Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo, he welcomed the “strong choice” of the French against the far right: “They have opted for certainties and for the values of the Enlightenment. I warmly congratulate @EmmanuelMacron on his re-election and confirm our need for a strong and united Europe. We will be there.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent on Monday, his congratulations to his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron re-elected the day before, wishing him “success” in his new term, despite the high tensions related to Ukraine. During the election campaign, Emmanuel Macron notably attacked Marine Le Pen on her loan of 9 million euros contracted in 2017 with a Russian bank, accusing her of complacency towards the Kremlin.
