After he was reelected tonight for a second term of five years, the French President Emmanuel Macron reached to Marine Le Pen’s supporters.
Mr Macron, the 44-year-old centrist, won with a 58.54 per cent share of the vote – beating the far-Right Ms Le Pen, 53, on 41.46 per cent, the final results showed.
Macron declared in a powerful victory speech that he was no longer the candidate of a party. I’m everyone’s President!’
Although he admitted that France is ‘full o’ anger and division, he promised: “No one will be left behind.”
One hour and half after the vote was declared, Macron attended a rally at Champ de Mars under the Eiffel tower.
To rapturous cheers and applause, he held hands with his wife, Brigitte Macron, as Beethoven’s Ode to Joy – the European Union anthem – blasted out of speakers.
With a huge screen in front of him, he made his way up onto the podium and said “Thank you!”
Thank you for being here, Paris.
‘After five years of difficult but happy transformation and exception challenged this date – 24 april 2024 – a majority amongst us chose me to pilot the Republic for the next five years.’
His trademark blue suit with tie was worn by him. He said: “Together, we can make France stronger and more independent.” We can transform France into a great green country by allowing our imaginations to run wild.
“I’m proud to say that I know many people voted for my tonight. This was not due to my ideals. It was because it blocked the far-Right. They have given me their sense of responsibility for the next five-years.
To boos, he said that he thought of Ms Le Pen’s supporters but then added that: “No booing, I don’t want that.”
“Because now I am not the candidate for any party. I’m everyone’s President’.
I understand that anger caused people to vote for the far-Right. This will be my responsibility.
“Our project, said he, is humanist for all of Republic.
Accepting defeat, Ms Le Pen stated to supporters at Paris’s campaign headquarters: “We could have witnessed a great breeze of freedom sweep across this country. But the French people have said that otherwise.”
We can still say that we won tonight’s election when we view the results. Millions of people voted in support of us and I am grateful to them all.
Saying her National Rally party would remain a counterbalance to Mr Macron, Ms Le Pen said: ‘Those who voted for me overwhelmingly in this second round – I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. France’s citizens will be protected as never before.
In response to the result, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, tweeted: ‘Dear @Emmanuel Macron, congratulations on your re-election as President of the Republic. It is a pleasure to continue our great cooperation. We will work together to move France forward and Europe further.
Boris Johnson said: ‘Congratulations to @Emmanuel Macron on your re-election as President of France. France is one of the closest and most valuable allies. It is a pleasure to continue working with France on issues that are most important to both our countries as well as the rest of the world.
Labour leader Sir Keir Sternmer and the opposition leader, Labour, also tweeted their congratulations.
Mark Rutte was the Prime Minister of The Netherlands and added, “My sincere congratulations to @Emmanuel Macron for being re-elected President Of France.
“I’m pleased we can keep our wide and positive cooperation in NATO and the EU over the next years. “I look forward to strengthening our excellent relationship.”
It was only 72 per cent of all eligible voters, the lowest level in any presidential second-round race since 1969.
The shocking sign that people are disillusioned with politics is 8.6% of those who voted, according to interior ministry statistics. The abstention figure was 2.6 per cent higher than in 2017 – when Mr Macron first beat Ms Le Pen to seal his first term.
Macron is an avid supporter and advocate of the EU. He now wants to lead the bloc as de-facto leader after the departure of Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor.
After winning the French presidential election, Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron celebrated with their husband.
After he won a second 5-year term, Macron reached out to Marine Le Pen’s dissatisfied supporters
Macron declared in a powerful victory speech that he was no longer the candidate of a party. I’m everyone’s President!’
While he acknowledged that France was “full of anger, division”, he pledged to make France a better place.
An hour and a half after the results were called, Mr Macron was at the Champ de Mars rally, under the Eiffel Tower.
To rapturous cheers and applause, he held hands with his wife, Brigitte Macron, as Beethoven’s Ode to Joy – the European Union anthem – blasted out of speakers
With a huge screen behind his back, he made his way to the podium and said “Thank you!”
“Dear friends and fellow citizens”
‘After five years of difficult but happy transformation and exception challenged this date – 24 april 2024 – a majority amongst us chose me to pilot the Republic for the next five years’
His blue suit and tie was his signature, and he said: “Together we will make France more independent and Europe better.” France can become a great and green nation by freeing up our creativity.
To his boos, Le Pen said he had ‘thought about Ms Le Pen, and her supporters’, but added, “No booing, I don’t wish to hear that.”
“Because now I am not the candidate for any party. I’m everyone’s President’
“I can understand why people voted far-Right. That will be my responsibility.”
He stated that “Our own project was a humanist, for the entire Republic.”
He is also ready to get into more arguments with the British about a number of issues, such as the migrant boats crisis and the rights of English Channel fishermen.
Now, the 44-year old president faces the task of holding parliamentary elections in June. It will be crucial to keep a majority so he can realize his dreams.
Late Sunday’s polls showed that many voters did not want the candidate to carry the parliamentary vote.
Tara Varma (senior policy fellow, head of the Paris Office of the European Council on Foreign Relations) stated that Macron’s greatest challenge would be to build a sense cohesion within a country with so many disparate parts. Le Pen is determined to make the most of her victory in June’s parliamentary elections.
Macron warned that despite leading opinion polls constantly, he could lose to Donald Trump in the American presidential election.
Macron – who once compared Britain’s democratic vote to leave the EU as ‘a crime’ – had also suggested that a low turnout might have seen him robbed of power.
Macron declared, just prior to his reelection: “We need to get used the far-Right Ideas.”
He conceded that Ms Le Pen’s party – the National Rally – had increased its share of the vote since 2017, when he beat Ms Le Pen by a landslide 66%.
He also stated that Ms. Le Pen wasn’t qualified to succeed him, as her party continued to pay money to Russia after the invasion.
He said that “War is raging in the continent,” during a debate on TV last Wednesday. Then he snarled at Ms Le Pen and stated: “You are actually in Russia’s clutches.”
Macron warned Ms Le Pen that she could spark a civil war with her plans for banning Muslim women wearing head scarves and Jewish men wearing the kippah.
Ms Le Pen referred to the ex-merchant banker and financial civil service as a President of the Rich who was ‘contemptuous’ and’very arrogant’.
For En Marche Mr Macron made his initials On the Move! (On the Move!)
To soften her extremist image, Ms Le Pen changed to National Rally the name of her party, the National Front.
Jean-Marie Le Pen (convicted racist and Holocaust denier) founded the foundation in 1972.
Now 93 years old, Mr Le Pen was second in the French presidential elections of 2002 and continued contesting election until 2012.
It is clear that his daughter won’t stop pushing to get into the Elysee Palace. He has no plans of retiring.
Mr Macron will now serve as France’s head of state until 2027 – a period of time which will include the Paris Olympics of 2024.
Presidents are only allowed two terms, meaning Mr Macron – by far the youngest head of state in modern French history – is likely to retire from politics before his 50th birthday.
His immediate predecessors as President – the Socialist Francois Hollande and the conservative Nicolas Sarkozy – were both forced out of office after a single term.
A low turnout saw the French president Emmanuel Macron win a second term for a fifth year.
Supporters react at the Eiffel Tower after the victory of French President and La Republique en Marche (LREM) party candidate in France’s presidential election
Mr Macron, the 44-year-old centrist, won with a 58.5% share of the vote – beating the far-Right Ms Le Pen, 53, on 41.5%, according to exit polls
These are very accurate in France. Major broadcasters, media outlets, and major news organizations called Macron’s win as soon as the polls closed on Sunday at 8pm.
Accepting defeat, Ms Le Pen stated to supporters at Paris’s campaign headquarters: “We could have witnessed a tremendous wind of liberty sweep through this country. But the French people have said that otherwise.”
We can still claim victory when we view the results of tonight’s election. We have millions of supporters, so I would like to thank them all.
Saying her National Rally party would remain a counterbalance to Mr Macron, Ms Le Pen said: ‘Those who voted for me overwhelmingly in this second round – I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. France will defend its citizens as we have never done before.
After being defeated in round two of French presidential elections, Le Pen gives a speech at Pavillon d’Armenonville.
While he was getting ready to celebrate at an Eiffel Tower rally, Paris supporters were heard singing ‘Five years more!
Marine Le Pen reacts to the news of her results in Paris on April 24, 2022.
Under the French Tricolour and the blue-and yellow flags of the European Union, Mr Macon would be celebrating on Champ de Mars.
Brigitte Macron, a retired teacher of 69 years, prepared to share the spotlight with him.
France’s Prime Minister Jean Castex arrives at Champs-de-Mars following the victory of Emmanuel Macron, French President
After being reelected, Manuel Valls (former French Prime Minister) stands beside the podium while Emmanuel Macron gives a speech.
Ms. Le Pen described the ex-merchant banker and former financial civil servant as an ‘President Of The Rich’, who was ‘contemptuous’ and’very arrogant’
On Sunday at 7pm, just 72% had voted in Macron-Le Pen’s second round. It was the lowest level since 1969.
Charles de Gaulle was forced to resign as head state. However, only 69% of those who voted for Georges Pompidou were able to do so.
This year’s abstention figure was 2.6% higher than in 2017 – when Mr Macron first beat Ms Le Pen to seal his first term
French far-right party Reconquete! After the announcement of France’s presidential elections results, Eric Zemmour gives a speech
Macron is an avid supporter and advocate of the EU. He now wants to be the de-facto leader after Angela Merkel has retired.
He is also preparing for further rowing with the British about a number of issues such as the migrant boat crises and English Channel fishing right.
In 2018, Ms. Le Pen changed her family party’s name from the National Front to National Rally to soften their extremist image.
Macron warned that despite leading opinion polls constantly, he could lose to Donald Trump in the American presidency
Emmanuel Macron is the French President, and candidant for re-election. He greets his supporters when he arrives at a Le Touquet (France) polling station to cast his vote in the 2nd round of 2022 French Presidential Election. This was on the 24th April 2022.
Sebastien Chéniu talks to Marine Le Pen (C), a far-right candidate from Rassemblement National in France before the official results of round two of the Paris Presidential Election.
French voters cast their ballots on Sunday to determine which candidate will be the next president between Emmanuel Macron (the centrist incumbent) and Marine Le Pen (the far-right challenger). Pictured: Marine Le Pen votes during the second round in France’s presidential elections at Henin-Beaumont (northern France), April 24, 2022
Emmanuel Macron (the French President, and the centrist candidate for reelection) leaves the voting booth at a Le Touquet polling station, north France, Sunday April 24, 2022
In a desperate effort to close the gap, she campaigned in northern France, where she attacked Macron’s pension reform plan. She described it as an attempt to put the French on the map forever.
Last night she ran in her Northern France stronghold to close the gap. In an desperate attempt to do so, she lashed at Macron’s proposed pensions reform. This she called an effort to make France work forever.
At the end of the final round in the presidential election, Lycee Voltaire was the polling place where the votes were cast by members of public.
At the end of the presidential election, which took place in Paris on April 24, 2022, members of the general public cast their vote at Lycee Voltaire.
Francois Hollande, former French President, casts his vote for the second round in the Presidential Elections at Tulle’s polling station on April 24, 2022
Jean Castex (French Prime Minister) leaves the voting booth as he goes to cast his vote at the second round Presidential election in Prades. This was on April 24, 2022.
On Saturday, the two presidential candidates gave their final pitch to French electorate. Campaigning and polling had to end at midnight on Friday. Le Pen and Macron faced each other in Sunday’s rematch of 2017’s presidential election runoff after a first round vote was held on April 10.
Macron called the election a referendum for or against a secular and united republic. He made this speech deep within France’s southern heartland. Macron described himself as the guardian and protector of democracy and rule of law and suggested that Le Pen was a threat for freedom of speech.
Le Pen was accused by the centre-right incumbent of trying to split France over Islam. Le Pen proposed that Muslim headscarves be banned from public view and that French citizens should have priority when applying for housing benefits and other job opportunities.
“The extreme right thrives on fear, anger and resentment. Macron spoke to France Inter Radio, stating that the solution is to exclude parts of society.
Macron came into the election holding a steady lead in opinion surveys, which he maintained in frenetic campaigning culminating in a strong performance in the final days.
However, analysts cautioned Macron (who rose to power in 2017 at the age of 39, as the nation’s youngest ever modern leader) should not be taken for granted due to low turnout predictions that could alter the result.
He has to hope above all that Le Pen’s left-wing supporters who backed the other candidates in April’s first round will now back him and his reformist, pro-business agenda.
Voting stations will close around 8:00 PM (00 GMT) and preliminary results will be available. These usually provide a good prediction of the final outcome.
France’s 48.7million eligible voters can vote.
Marine Le Pen (French far-right National Rally(Rassemblement National), party candidate in 2022 French Presidential Election) arrives at Henin Beaumont to cast her vote in the 2nd round of 2022 French Presidential Election, France on April 24, 2022
On Sunday, April 24, 2022, voters waited in line at the polling stations in Lyon (central France) to cast their votes.
French people cast their ballot for the second round of French Presidential Election at a polling station in Montigny-le-Bretonneux near Paris, France on April 24, 2022
France’s voters will head to the polls today. Emmanuel Macron is the front-runner, pictured right at a rally in Friday. He holds a slight lead over Marine Le Pen. The campaign of Ms. Le Pen has been plagued by allegations of racism and links to the Kremlin. (Pictured left: Le Pen at a rally during campaign on Thursday).
Macron repeatedly stated that Trump’s victory in America was due to the complacency and inaction of remain-at-home voters.
Analysts predict abstention rates of 26 to 28 percent. But, it is likely that the 1969 record of 31.1 per cent abstention rate will not be broken.
Jean-Luc Melenchon of the Far-left, who came in third place in the first round vote, has steadfastly refused to encourage his millions to vote for Macron, while insisting that they shouldn’t vote for Le Pen.
A second factor is the fact that the elections take place during the Easter break for many French schools.
Martial Foucault (director of CEVIPOF’s political studies center), believes that Macron’s gap with Le Pen will shrink if there is a high rate of abstention. This would be a real risk for Macron.
Overseas territories will have to be carefully monitored for early indications of turnout. These territories have incomes that are less than those in France but which tended to back Melenchon in round 1.
For example, in New Caledonia the turnout was only 18.2 percent at noon. At 12:00 PM, mainland France’s first estimation of the turnout will be released.
In the second round, a woman votes in Lyon, central France. Sunday April 24, 2022.
French citizens walk by posters featuring candidates Emmanual Macron and Marine Le Pen, as they attempt to vote at the French consulate in Beirut on April 24, 2018, 202
French people cast their ballot for the second round of French Presidential Election at a polling station in Montigny-le-Bretonneux near Paris, France on April 24, 2022
At the end of the presidential election, which took place in Paris on April 24, 2022, members of the general public cast their vote at Lycee Voltaire.
Both France and Europe are at stake. Macron is promising reforms and tighter EU integration, while Le Pen (France’s first woman president) insists that the bloc be altered in what critics call ‘Frexit by another name’.
Macron also opposed Le Pen’s proposal to make the Muslim headscarf illegal in public. However, her team has come back to the proposition ahead of the vote and said it wasn’t a priority.
Both sides have clashed with Russia as Macron tries to paint Le Pen, who took a loan from a Russian-Czech Bank to help her group deal with the invasion in Ukraine, as being incapable.
Macron is the first French president who has won re-election since 2002’s Jacques Chirac.
He is likely to address his supporters at Champ de Mars, central Paris’s Eiffel Tower foot.
The polls show Macron leading by around 10 points. This is a closer result than 2017 when Macron won with 66% of the votes.
In Figeac where Melenchon was second in the first round, Macron was warmly welcomed. But he suddenly stopped his speech in order to address the protesters holding a banner against privatization.
Macron explained to them that he did exactly the opposite during the coronavirus epidemic and encouraged them to reflect on their right to protest prior to casting their vote Sunday.
At the end of the presidential election, which took place in Paris on April 24, 2022, members of the general public cast their vote at Lycee Voltaire.
On Sunday, April 24, 20, 2022, people and election posters were seen in front of a Sevres station near Paris.
Macron stated, “You should be proud of living in democracy, where you are able to challenge an acting president or a candidate,” It should continue, I believe. It will not be the same choice on April 24th with another candidate.
Le Pen, an earlier candidate, was at Etaples near Le Touquet. It is the constituency where Macron votes.
Following a bitter, televised discussion with Macron last week, which buoyed her poll numbers, the National Rally leader showed a determined spirit.
Le Pen, speaking on C-News called for the French to review her manifesto to recognize the failings in Macron’s five-year-old term. Her policies were not up to scrutiny, she responded.
She said, “I appeal to the French to verify their opinion and to form an opinion through reading my proposal to address the rampage that was Emmanuel Macron.”
Because of the difference in time with France mainland, polls were opened earlier in territories overseas, which are home to nearly three million French.
A 90-year old man from Saint Pierre and Miquelon on the north coast of Canada cast the first vote.
In France, the Caribbean islands and South American territories of French Guiana were opened for polls. The Pacific Islands and Indian Oceans followed.
Meanwhile, a priest was attacked with a knife in a church in Nice, southern France, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on his Twitter feed on Sunday. The attacker was arrested by police, Darmanin said that the priest’s safety wasn’t at risk.
Emmanuel Macron could have been re-elected as President of France… But quelle horreur! But quelle horreur!
“As a French woman, who can’t stand Macron and hates Le Pen. I stay away from news. It is a disaster. Nana said that yesterday she was among millions who are preparing for Macron’s vote in the French presidential election.
On Sunday, Macron was elected president of France again. The voters snub their noses.
After the polls were closed, the results were confirmed. All polling firms predicted a Macron victory of between 54 to 58 percent of votes.
It was a convincing win that marked the end to Marine Le Pen. She has failed three times in her attempt to run for the presidency.
The results were not received with much enthusiasm by many. A general feeling of resignation was prevalent.
Few people in France were enthusiastic about the win of Emmanuel Macron. General mood was of weary resignation
Marine Le Pen gestures at the Pavillon d’Armenonville after her defeat in the second round of the 2022 French presidential election
The re-election of Macron is not good news for France – which faces five more years of his eccentric, egocentric politics – nor for Britain and Boris Johnson, who is seen as the Brexit devil incarnate by the Paris political establishment, including in particular the tight circle surrounding the president himself.
Johnson has had to put up with Macron’s tantrums, insults, and harsh stances on EU withdrawal.
It is impossible for the Prime Minister to believe Macron is his friend.
French elections are the best result for the European Union. Le Pen winning would have been an absolute disaster.
The promise that French law will be supreme over EU law was a Frexit.
Macron speaks of a stronger, deeper EU that is led by him. But the Europe he envisions is only a dream.
It is gone are the days of French and German calling all the shots.
Europe has moved on – split asunder by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with Poles and eastern Europeans in one camp and the French in another.
It is a curiousity of French politics that a much-rejected politician, rejected by 72% of voters, retained his position despite his prior five-year term, which was marked by rising crime, civil disorder, incoherent economic and social reforms as well as an incoherent Covid policy and many scandals.
Macron is a great speaker and listener.
Macron’s total lack of humility and arrogance is irritating, even though it may be true that French people like their presidents to have a touch of pomp.
His empathy is not with French citizens. But he loves to pose for photos. His victory is certain to increase his arrogance.
Boris Johnson isn’t happy about Macron’s re-election. He is seen by Paris as the Brexit devil in person, and especially the close circle around him
He is not reelected because he was a leader he respected. It’s a result of an electoral system that ignores what the people want, and instead forces them to make a decision like between plague or cholera.
It was also a repeat of 2017, when Macron won by 66% to 34%, adding insult to the already absurd election.
Le Pen was able to close the gap but could not seriously affect an incumbent widely distrusted, unloved.
France is still facing all of the issues that Macron created or left unresolved.
Macron, who is back at the helm of the country, faces an array of huge crises such as war in Europe and restless cities. They also face skyrocketing inflation.
Many people believe that France, despite its many problems is still paradise.
It’s also true that France, which most British tourists visit on vacation, can be quite charming.
But for millions of people, la vie en rose, washed down with an agreeable rosé and some olives, is not the way it is.
Macron is partially responsible for the dire situation in which France finds itself now.
After Angela Merkel’s departure, the French president now considers him ex officio to be the undisputed leader of the EU.
However, the German allies turned out to have lost their faith and are now completely dependent upon Russian energy. When faced with Russian aggression, the European defense force becomes a laughing stock. Not the French, nor the Germans, are helping Ukraine. It is the Poles and Czechs as well as the Balts and Americans who are not in the EU.
Macron could imagine himself as the ringmaster for this circus.
After exit polls had predicted a victory for Emmanuel Macron, Marine Le Pen supporters were in tears.
As a French supporter of President Emmanuel Macron, he holds a placard saying “Emmanuel Macron With You” and other supporters wave flags while they observe the announcements in Paris.
He’s more of a clown – which, incidentally, is an insult he levelled at Boris Johnson.
Macron, and his entourage are viscerally anti British.
They have made a EU withdrawal agreement for Brexit Britain, which they consider a bombshell that could lead to future war.
Macron demanded harsh punishment for Brits who voted to leave the European Union.
France and Britain share the most intimate commercial and social relations.
Macron and his men ignored it and picked fights while he annoyed his supposed European allies.
France’s misery continues as exhausted voters are invited to vote in the June elections for National Assembly.
Macron must then create a new government, with a majority in parliament that will be neither stable nor durable.
Vive la France? You are in for trouble.
- Jonathan Miller is the author France, a Nation at Risk of Nervous Derailment (Gibson Square).