WORLD LEADERS HAVE been reacting to Emmanuel Macron’s thumping win over Marine Le Pen in the French presidential election.
Almost definitive results showed Pro-EU centrist Macron winning 65.82% of the vote in the first ever election he has contested, far ahead of the far-right rival Le Pen at 34.18%.
World leaders and other political heavyweights have been reacting to Macron’s win. Among them, Ireland’s Taoiseach and President.
Here’s a selection of what has been said.
Ireland
“President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins has written to President-elect Macron to convey his best wishes for a fruitful Presidency,” the office of the President said in a statement.
In his message the President said the French President-elect’s many references to the need for renewal of European purpose, based on European values and a commitment that his Presidency will engage not only with French but European and global matters, will be welcomed by all those seeking a positive discourse on contemporary issues, which are perceived as threats by many.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny said:
I want to extend my congratulations, and that of the Irish Government, to Emmanuel Macron on his victory in the French presidential election. I am delighted that a leader with a positive ambition for Europe has won this election decisively and will join us with a strong mandate in the European Council.Ireland and France share close bonds; from General Humbert in my own county of Mayo in 1798 to the joyous scenes all over France at the European Championships last Summer. Our shared history has been both deep and varied. The future also holds promise as both countries work towards a European Union of prosperity and equality for all our citizens.
United States
“Congratulations to Emmanuel Macron on his big win today as the next President of France. I look very much forward to working with him!” President Donald Trump wrote on Twitter.
Germany
“Congratulations, @EmmanuelMacron. Your victory is a victory for a strong and united Europe and for French-German friendship,” said Chancellor Angela Merkel’s spokesman.
The UK
“The Prime Minister warmly congratulates President-elect Macron on his election success. France is one of our closest allies and we look forward to working with the new President on a wide range of shared priorities,” said a Downing Street spokesman.
Prime Minister Theresa May also discussed Brexit with Macron, saying “the UK wants a strong partnership with a secure and prosperous EU once we leave,” the spokesman added.
European Union
“Happy that the French chose a European future,” European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker wrote on Twitter.
EU Council President Donald Tusk also offered his congratulations, saying the French had chosen “liberty, equality and fraternity” and “said no to the tyranny of fake news”.
European Parliament President Antonio Tajani told AFP: “We have received a vote of confidence from France in the European Union.”
Japan
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said “the victory of President-elect Macron is a symbolic victory against inward-looking and protectionist moves and shows a vote of confidence in the EU”.
Canada
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he wanted to work together with Macron on a “progressive agenda” to “promote international security, increase collaboration in science and technology, and create good, middle-class jobs on both sides of the Atlantic”.
Australia
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said he had congratulated Macron and had received a text back saying he was “looking forward to working together”.
Highlighting the cooperation between French and Australian soldiers during World War I, he added: “We have been side-by-side in freedom’s cause for over a century, and we are side-by-side in freedom’s cause in the Middle East today. So we have great work to do to make the ties between France and Australia stronger still.”
Greece
Prime Minister Alexis Tspiras said Macron’s victory was “an inspiration for France and for Europe”, adding he was “sure we will work closely together.”
Spain
“Congratulations to @EmmanuelMacron, new president of #France. Let us work in France and Spain for a stable, prosperous and more integrated Europe,” Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said in a tweet.
Others
Defeated US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, who like Macron had her campaign hacked, tweeted:
Nigel Farage, former leader of British anti-EU party UKIP and one of the most vocal campaigners for Brexit, said:
A giant deceit has been voted for today. Macron will be Juncker’s puppet.
In The Netherlands, Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders commiserated with Le Pen, saying in a tweet:
© – AFP 2017 - with reporting by Rónán Duffy
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