Political leaders around the world have congratulated 39-year-old Emmanuel Macron on his decisive victory in the French presidential election.
European leaders hailed the progressive centrist’s win as a victory for Europe, having feared a win from populist-right leader Marine Le Pen would be a blow to European integration.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel
Chancellor Angele Merkel had a warm, friendly phone call with President-elect Macron congratulating him on his win. She said it was a victory for a renewed European Union.
A spokesperson for the Chancellor said on Twitter: “Congratulations Emmanuel Macron. Your victory is a victory for a strong and united Europe and for Franco-German friendship”
Rival Marine Le Pen had criticised President-elect Macron in the election campaign for being under the thumb of the German Chancellor.
President of the European Council, Donald Tusk
Donald Tusk left no doubt over who he supported in the French elections, congratulating the French on choosing “la Liberté, l'Egalité et la Fraternité” over tyranny and “fake news.”
President of the EU Commission, Jean-Claude Junker
Jean-Claude Junker, who has previously described Mr Macron as a “good friend”, welcomed the decisive win of the pro-EU candidate.
“Congratulations Emmanuel Macron!” he wrote on Twitter, “Happy that the French chose a European future. Together for a Europe which is stronger and more just.”
UK Prime Minister Theresa May
The UK Prime Minister has congratulated President-elect Macron, adding in a statement emailed to reporters: “France is one of our closest allies, and we look forward to working with the new president on a wide range of shared priorities.”
US President Donald Trump
While Marine Le Pen had been likened to populist US President Donald Trump, the American leader was quick to congratulate her rival on Twitter.
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has congratulated Emmanuel Macron on Twitter.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte
The Netherlands was the first in Europe’s ‘super election year’, going to the polls in March.
Centre-right Prime Minister Mark Rutte prevailed over populist right leader Geert Wilders.
On Twitter Prime Minister Rutte congratulated President-elect Macron and said he looked forward to further working with the new leader.
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy
Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy congratulated Mr Macron on Twitter, writing: “We work in France and Spain for a stable, prosperous and more integrated Europe.”
Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven
Prime Minister Stefan Löfven described Emmanuel Macron’s win as: “A victory for Emmanuel Macron, for France and for European cooperation.”
“New opportunities will now open up for the proactive agenda needed to strengthen the EU, including more jobs and fair working conditions, a stronger climate policy and a functioning asylum system in which everyone takes responsibility,” he said in a statement.
Danish Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen
Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen congratulated President-elect Macron on Twitter:
