Emmanuel Macron victory welcomed as Europe breathes sigh of relief
Donald Trump looks forward to working with him, Theresa May talks Brexit, and the EU breathes a sigh of relief.
Monday 8 May 2017 09:54, UK
Europe breathed a sigh of relief as Emmanuel Macron, a centrist, pro-EU politician, was elected president of France.
Mr Macron who had vowed to take France out of the euro and threatened to pull it out of the EU.
EU officials are hoping the unashamedly pro-EU Macron will help revive the fortunes of the bloc after Brexit.
Here is some of the reaction to Mr Macron's victory.
Theresa May "warmly congratulates President-elect Macron on his election success", Number 10 said.
"The leaders briefly discussed Brexit and the Prime Minister reiterated that the UK wants a strong partnership with a secure and prosperous EU once we leave," a spokesman added.
In Brussels, Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission, told Mr Macron: "I am delighted that the ideas you defended of a strong and progressive Europe, which protects all its citizens, will be those that you will carry into your presidency."
German Chancellor Angela Merkel called Mr Macron to congratulate him, her spokesman said.
Steffen Seibert said Mrs Merkel "praised his stance for a united and open European Union during the campaign" and that "the decision of the French voters is a clear statement of support for Europe".
Mr Macron, who hopes to revitalise the Franco-German axis at the heart of the EU, plans to visit Berlin shortly.
Donald Trump tweeted: "Congratulations to Emmanuel Macron on his big win today as the next President of France. I look very much forward to working with him."
Mr Trump had praised Ms Le Pen, although he stopped short of explicitly endorsing her.
"She's the strongest on borders, and she's the strongest on what's been going on in France," he said last month in an interview with the Associated Press.
A White House statement cited Mr Macron and the French people for "their successful presidential election" and said the United States looks forward to "continuing our close relationship with the French government".
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who won an election in March against opponents including right-wing populist Geert Wilders, said French voters "made a clear progressive and pro-European choice".
Belgium's prime minister Charles Michel, who has been a staunch backer of Mr Macron in the elections, tweeted "Bravo" and said: "Let us work together to give Europe new momentum."
Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni tweeted: "Hurrah Macron President! There is hope for Europe!"
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said with Mr Macron as its new president, France would help strengthen the European Union at a key moment for the bloc.
In Britain, with a snap election just a few weeks away, many offered their reaction to news of Mr Macron's victory.
Jeremy Corbyn tweeted that he was "delighted that the French people have decisively rejected Le Pen's politics of hate".
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "Vive La France. Congratulations to new president, Emmanuel Macron, on his decisive victory over the hard right."
Tim Farron said: "Emmanuel Macron has kept the wolves from our door, but we must never be complacent in the fight against racism, fascism and the far right."
The Lib Dem leader said "this is not just a victory for France, but a victory for Britain and the liberal values we hold dear".
Nigel Farage, meanwhile, has offered his condolences to Ms Le Pen, saying she could win France's next election in 2022. The former UKIP leader tweeted that Mr Macron "offers 5 more years of failure, power to the EU and open borders".