Emmanuel Macron Wins French Presidential Election

Emmanuel Macron from the center-left camp, a supporter of remaining in the European Union, succeeded on Sunday in the final round of France’s presidential election, securing approximately 65.5 percent of votes and defeating his far-right rival, to be elected as France’s new president.

Shortly after voting ended at 8 p.m. local time, French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve announced Mr. Macron’s victory, describing the outcome of this election as a clear and decisive vote by the French people rejecting far-right ideologies.

According to the French news agency, 39-year-old Emmanuel Macron, in very brief remarks on the occasion of his 2017 election victory, said: “Tonight, a new chapter opens in our long history. I want it to be one of hope and restored confidence.”

Marine Le Pen, in a statement accepting her defeat, called the level of public support for her and the National Front party in this election “historic,” and promised her supporters that in next month’s parliamentary elections, she would build “a new political force.”

United States President Donald Trump also shortly after posted on Twitter, congratulating Mr. Macron on his “tremendous victory” in today’s voting, saying he is “very much looking forward” to cooperating with him as France’s new president.

The preliminary round of France’s presidential election was held on February 23 with 11 candidates participating, and Emmanuel Macron and 48-year-old Marine Le Pen advanced to the second round; an election that has been referred to as the most contentious election in French history.

Mr. Macron, who is now the youngest president in French history, described his rival as a master of “fear-mongering” who talks a lot but lacks the ability to act. Ms. Le Pen, in turn, called him a representative of “ruthless globalization” who would squander France’s assets.

The two candidates cast their votes in two different small cities in northern France and then returned to their election campaign headquarters in Paris. Current Socialist President François Hollande also voted in the city of Toul in central France.

This is the first election in which the two final candidates are not affiliated with France’s major parties, and issues such as immigration and security dominated the electoral debate in this European country, which has witnessed terrorist attacks over the past two years.

Out of France’s population of 67 million, 47 million were eligible to vote in this election. Approximately 4 million people cast blank ballots, reflecting their dissatisfaction with the country’s current political situation.

According to the French Interior Ministry, voter turnout in the election was around 28 percent by Sunday afternoon, but increased to 65.3 percent by evening, which is approximately 6 percent lower compared to five years ago.

Mr. Macron’s victory is of great importance not only for France but also for the future of the European Union, especially following the British people’s decision to leave this European bloc in a referendum in early July of last year.

Furthermore, this is the first time France’s presidential election is being held under a state of emergency, a situation that was declared following the terrorist attacks of 2015 at the request of the president and remains in effect.

Emmanuel Macron’s inauguration will take place on Monday next week at the Élysée Palace.

Source: Voice of America