French President Emmanuel Macron secured a second presidential term on Sunday by winning the French elections, according to projections by polling agencies.
Macron’s victory over far-right candidate Marine Le Pen reassures the European Union and NATO of France’s continued leadership role in the region.
During her campaign, Le Pen pledged to dilute France’s relations with the EU27, the NATO military alliance and Germany. She had also spoken out against sanctions against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine. His election would therefore have shaken Europe’s security architecture and dealt a blow to the EU and NATO at a time when the war in Ukraine is emerging as the biggest crisis for Europe since World War II. world.
Although Le Pen lost and conceded defeat on Sunday night, his far-right program achieved its most successful results so far.
World leaders hailed Macron after his victory. The messages from European leaders clearly showed the importance of his victory for Europe.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Congratulations to my friend Emmanuel Macron on his re-election as President of France! I look forward to continuing to work together to deepen the India-France strategic partnership.”
Congratulations to my friend @EmmanuelMacron after being re-elected President of France! I look forward to continuing to work together to deepen the India-France strategic partnership.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 25, 2022
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Twitter: “I look forward to continuing our excellent cooperation. Together, we will move France and Europe forward.
dear @EmmanuelMacronmy congratulations on your re-election as President of the Republic.
I look forward to continuing our excellent cooperation.
Together, we will move France and Europe forward.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 24, 2022
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida congratulated Macron on Twitter and said: “I hope to work closely with President Macron on a wide range of issues, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region”.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz compared Macron’s victory to Europe’s victory. He wrote in a tweet, “Your constituents also sent a strong pledge to Europe today. Glad we continue our good cooperation!”
Congratulations, herzliche Glückwünsche, lieber Präsident @EmmanuelMacron. Deine Wählerinnen und Wähler haben heute auch ein starkes Bekenntnis zu Europa gesendet.
Ich freue mich, dass wir unsere gute Zusammenarbeit fortsetzen! pic.twitter.com/ZJQSc6OAz9– Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) April 24, 2022
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, a Tory who spearheaded Britain’s exit from the EU, said on Twitter: “France is one of our closest and strongest allies. I look forward to continuing to work together on the issues that matter most to our two countries and to the world.”
Congratulation to @EmmanuelMacron on your re-election as President of France. France is one of our closest and most important allies. I look forward to continuing to work together on the issues that matter most to our two countries and to the world.
🇫🇷🇫🇷
—Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) April 24, 2022
It was a close race and Le Pen had given tough competition to Macron. A few months ago a win seemed like an easy one for Macron, but things have changed in recent months as prices have skyrocketed across the country and a feeling has grown that Macron has been too committed to international affairs with the start of the war in Ukraine which he did not focus on French affairs. This contributed to the rise of far-right nationalist Le Pen.
(With AP inputs)