Key updates:
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French President Emmanuel Macron was re-elected with 58% of the vote, projections show, defeating far-right challenger Marine Le Pen.
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Macron acknowledged that many people voted for him to counter Le Pen, commending their “sense of duty” and “attachment to the Republic.”
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Le Pen called her score, an increase from 2017, a “resounding victory” and vowed to fight during the legislative elections in June.
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“We can count on France for five more years,” said EU Council President Charles Michel in a tweet, as other European politicians said Macron’s victory was a “relief”.
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Macron will face several challenges ahead despite his victory on Sunday as he inherits a deeply divided country.
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Macron says France is steeped in ‘doubt and division’ and promises a ‘new era’ in victory speech
Macron said there would be a “new era” over the next five years in France instead of “continuity” with his previous presidential term.
“Our country is steeped in so much doubt and so much division,” Macron added. He said it would be his responsibility to find the answers to the “anger and disagreements” that led many French people to vote for the far-right.
The French president called on people to be benevolent and respectful and added that “no one will be left by the wayside.”
Macron thanks those who voted against far-right, says the vote obliges him for years to come
Emmanuel Macron thanked those who voted for him to counter the far-right and says that the vote will oblige him for years to come.
“I know that many compatriots voted to block the ideas of the extreme right, I want to thank them and tell them that I am aware that this vote obliges me for the years to come,” Macron said.
He acknowledged their “sense of duty” and “attachment to the Republic”.
21:44
Macron speaks at Eiffel Tower after arriving as European anthem plays
Emmanuel Macron is addressing a crowd on the Champ de Mars after winning re-election.
He greeted his supporters near the Eiffel tower as the European anthem “Ode to Joy” played.
Watch his speech live.
Far-right Italian politician Matteo Salvini congratulates Le Pen on her election score
Former Italian deputy PM Matteo Salvini congratulated Marine Le Pen for her score in France’s presidential election.
“Forward together, for a Europe founded on work, family, security, rights and freedom,” Salvini tweeted.
Five urgent challenges facing Macron in his second term as French president
Emmanuel Macron’s victory in the French presidential run-off will be a relief to all those who feared political chaos at home and abroad, had his far-right rival Marine Le Pen won the keys to the Elysee.
But the fact the centrist, pro-European president remains in power does not herald a smooth ride ahead.
France remains a divided country and despite his win, Macron remains a deeply unpopular figure among a large proportion of the population.
The president’s first term was marked by the “gilets jaunes” (“yellow vests”) protests, some of which bordered on an insurrection. It was buffeted by the Trump presidency, Brexit, further upturned by the Covid pandemic and finally the Ukraine war.
Macron’s second term may be every bit as daunting. Euronews takes a look at some of the challenges ahead.
‘A strong signal to Europe’, German chancellor says
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that Macron’s victory had sent a “strong signal to Europe.”
“I am pleased that we will continue our good cooperation,” he tweeted.
Le Pen is the ‘opposition leader for France,’ National Rally spokesman Sebastien Chenu tells Euronews
Marine Le Pen is “the opposition leader for France,” National Rally spokesman Sebastien Chenu told Euronews, who “represents millions of people”.
“We’re going to have to be very determined and work very hard,” Chenu said of the campaign ahead of the legislative elections in June.
He added that far-left leader Mélenchon should have called on his voters to block Macron’s reelection. He added that the war in Ukraine had an impact on the election, preventing “a real debate around national politics.”
Far-right TV pundit calls for ‘national bloc’ to unite for legislative elections
Far-right TV pundit Eric Zemmour called for far-right parties to unite ahead of the legislative elections to counter Emmanuel Macron and other opposition parties.
“This is the eighth time that defeat has struck the name of Le Pen,” Zemmour said, referring to the unsuccessful presidential campaigns of Marine Le Pen and her father Jean-Marie Le Pen before her.
“Our coalition is not an option. It’s a necessity…we have a country to reconquer,” he said.
‘Wonderful news for Europe’, says Italian prime minister of Macron’s victory
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said Macron’s victory on Sunday was “wonderful news for Europe.”
“We are ready to continue working together, with ambition and determination, at the service of our countries and of all European citizens,” Draghi said in a statement posted to social media.