AA / Paris / Shweta Desai
Several European leaders hailed French President Emmanuel Macron’s victory over his far-right rival Marine Le Pen in Sunday’s election.
According to polls, Macron, the candidate for La République En Marche! , received 58.2% of the total votes in this election, the lowest turnout since 1969.
The far-right National Rally candidate, Marine Le Pen, received 41.8% of the vote, the highest of her previous presidential nominations.
“Today you have chosen an ambitious humanitarian project for the independence of our country, for Europe, ambitious in its values, socially and environmentally, a project based on work and creativity,” Macron said in his victory speech.
“I want to carry this project vigorously in the coming years, taking into account the opposition that was expressed and respecting the differences,” he added.
“I look forward to continuing our excellent cooperation. Together, we will move France and Europe forward,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Twitter, congratulating Macron on his re-election.
His colleague Charles Michel, President of the European Council, was assured of Macron’s re-election.
“In these trying times, we need a strong Europe and France fully committed to a more sovereign and strategic European Union. We can count on France for another five years,” he said.
“Strong leadership is essential in these turbulent times, and your tireless dedication (Macron) will be sorely needed to meet the challenges we face in Europe,” said Christine Lagarde, ECB President.
Spanish, German and Portuguese leaders, who jointly called on the French people to block far-right candidate Le Pen’s victory, welcomed the result.
“The citizens have chosen a France committed to a free, strong and fair European Union. Democracy wins. Europe is the victor,” said Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said: “You voters today have expressed a strong vote of confidence in Europe. I am happy that we continue our good cooperation.”
** Great news for Europe
With these results, Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa said, “the French have once again shown their attachment to the European project.”
“In these trying times for our continent and for the world, it is of paramount importance to count on France to defend pluralism and security, combat climate change and participate in building a more just, green and prosperous Europe,” he added.
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi hailed Macron’s victory as “good news for all of Europe”.
“Italy and France, together with all other partners, are committed to building a stronger, more united and equitable Europe capable of leading the fight to overcome the great challenges of our time, starting with the war in Ukraine,” said Draghi.
“We are now ready to continue working together, with ambition and determination, in the service of our countries and all European citizens,” he added.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis echoed similar sentiments, saying this was an “important victory for France, Europe and democracy”.
Belgian Prime Minister Alexandre de Croo said: “The French made an important choice today. They chose certainty and the values of enlightenment.”
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, with whom Macron differed on several political differences and disagreements over Brexit, praised the French president and said: “France is one of our closest and most important allies. I look forward to continuing our cooperation on issues that concern our two countries and the world.”
* Translated from the English by Mourad Belhaj
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