The French people have reelected their 44-year-old, centrist president, Emmanuel Macron. He is the first French president since 2002 to win a second term. Mr. Macron triumphed over his far-right opponent, Marine Le Pen, with a wide margin that is projected to be approximately 58.2% of the vote for Mr. Macron and 41.8% of the vote for Ms. Le Pen.
In front of a crowd near the Eiffel Tower, President Macron said his victory shows the French support for a more independent France and stronger Europe, in contrast to Ms. Le Pen’s views considered hostile to NATO, the European Union and the United States. Ms. Le Pen also supports an anti-immigrant nationalist program. Her National Rally party has become mainstream, although many French people support Mr. Macron to ensure that France does not become xenophobic. Ms. Le Pen is also considered to be a supporter of President Putin of Russia, and would have encouraged policies that would weaken NATO’s approach to Russia’s assault on Ukraine.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, as well as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, congratulated Mr. Macron and expressed that his achievement is a vote of confidence in Europe.
Mr. Macron told cheering supporters, “I am no longer the candidate of one side, but instead the president for all.“
Hundreds of supporters in Paris waved French flags and signs, congratulating the reelected president. Many who were interviewed expressed their relief about his defeat over Marine Le Pen.
President Macron has been recognized for his achievements in management of the Covid-19 pandemic, improving the French economy, and his ability to be a powerful voice in the international community.
Ms. Le Pen conceded on Sunday, defeated in her third attempt to become the president of France. She stated that she is determined to continue to fight on and influence the legislative elections in June, and to provide an alternative choice for the French people. She pointed out that she did better in this election than in previous elections, and that her conservative populist movement should be taken seriously.