Emmanuel Macron wins second term as French president
The results of the French presidential election have been announced, confirming Emmanuel Macron's victory over Marine Le Pen. Macron won the election with 58.5 percent of the vote compared to Le Pen's 41.5 percent.
French President Emmanuel Macron said in his victory speech at the Eiffel Tower that he knew many voters had voted for him not because of his plans and ideas but because he wanted to prevent the far-right from winning. He stressed that he felt committed and obligated to the group.
Macron added that the anger of those who voted for Marine Le Pen must also be taken into account. The French president stressed that those who boycotted the elections must also be given an appropriate response.
According to the latest statistics, the turnout in this election was about 72 percent, which is two percentage points lower than the rate five years ago.
Emmanuel Macron made it clear that the next five years will not be a continuation of his previous presidency and that things must change in the country.
Le Pen admits defeat
In her speech after the results were announced, Marine Le Pen admitted her defeat, but spoke to her supporters about the "historic result" of this election, which could mark a great start.
Referring to the parliamentary elections to be held in June, Le Pen said that the big battle for the race begins tonight. She added that her party's doors are open to all opponents of Macron. Le Pen stressed that she will carry forward her commitment to France and the French with the energy, perseverance and passion that everyone knows her for.
“A sea of invalid votes”
Macron's other rivals called Macron's victory too fragile. Far-left candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who came third in the first round of the presidential election, called the election result the worst in the French Republic and said Macron's victory was based on "a sea of abstentions, blank and invalid votes."
Eric Zemmour, the candidate for the ultra-nationalists, also stressed that French nationalists must come together. According to him, the political situation ahead of the parliamentary elections shows the need to come to terms with each other.
The Green Party candidate, however, thanked all those who “built a barrier against the right.” Yannick Jadot wrote on Twitter: “The worst possible option has been averted, but the country remains as divided as ever.”
This is the second time a president has been re-elected in France, after Jacques Chirac was re-elected in 2002. The outcome of the French presidential election will have a significant impact on the future of Europe.
Source: DW
