This Article is From May 08, 2017

World Leaders React To Emmanuel Macron's Victory

World leaders and other political big shots weighed in on Emmanuel Macron's victory in yesterday's presidential election in France.

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World

Centrist Emmanuel Macron's win is seen as a boost of confidence for the European Union (AFP)

Paris: Pro-EU centrist Emmanuel Macron stormed to victory in the French presidential election on Sunday, roundly defeating his far-right rival Marine Le Pen in a run-off vote.

Here is a selection of comments from world leaders and other political heavyweights on Macron's election victory.

United States

"Congratulations to Emmanuel Macron on his big win today as the next President of France. I look very much forward to working with him!" President Donald Trump wrote on Twitter.

Germany
 
 

Germany's Angela Merkel has been vocal in her support for Emmanuel Macron leading up to the elections


"Congratulations, @EmmanuelMacron. Your victory is a victory for a strong and united Europe and for French-German friendship," said Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman.

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Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin urged Macron to bridge deep rifts between Moscow and Paris and work together to fight the threat of terror.

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"The citizens of France entrusted you to lead the country in a difficult period for Europe and for the entire world community. The growing threat of terrorism and violent extremism is accompanied by an escalation of local conflicts and the destabilisation of entire regions," Putin said in a congratulatory telegram released by the Kremlin.  

"In these conditions it is especially important to overcome mutual distrust and join forces to ensure international stability and security."

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Britain

"The Prime Minister warmly congratulates President-elect Macron on his election success. France is one of our closest allies and we look forward to working with the new President on a wide range of shared priorities," said a Downing Street spokesman.

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Prime Minister Theresa May also discussed Brexit with Macron, saying "the UK wants a strong partnership with a secure and prosperous EU once we leave," the spokesman added.

European Union
 

Pro-Europe Macron has received congratulations and praise from EU chief Jean Claude Juncker

"Happy that the French chose a European future," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker wrote on Twitter.

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EU Council President Donald Tusk also offered his congratulations, saying the French had chosen "liberty, equality and fraternity" and "said no to the tyranny of fake news".

European Parliament President Antonio Tajani told AFP: "We have received a vote of confidence from France in the European Union."

China

President Xi Jinping congratulated Macron, saying their countries share a "responsibility toward peace and development in the world."

"China stands ready to work with France to move the strategic Sino-French partnership to a higher level," Xi said in a congratulatory note, according to the Chinese foreign ministry.

Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said "the victory of President-elect Macron is a symbolic victory against inward-looking and protectionist moves and shows a vote of confidence in the EU".

Iran

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi offered congratulations, voicing hope that relations "expand in the new era after this election based on groundwork laid during recent years".

Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he wanted to work together with Macron on a "progressive agenda" to "promote international security, increase collaboration in science and technology, and create good, middle-class jobs on both sides of the Atlantic".

Australia

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said he had congratulated Macron and had received a text back saying he was "looking forward to working together".

Greece

Prime Minister Alexis Tspiras said Macron's victory was "an inspiration for France and for Europe", adding he was "sure we will work closely together."

Spain

"Congratulations to @EmmanuelMacron, new president of #France. Let us work in France and Spain for a stable, prosperous and more integrated Europe," Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said in a tweet.

Ireland

"I am delighted that a leader with a positive ambition for Europe has won this election," said Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny.

"There's lots of work ahead for all of us in Europe, in a challenging environment, not least on Brexit."

New Zealand

Prime Minister Bill English welcomed Macron's victory as "good for political stability", adding "it's a result I think a lot of people will see as making a clear path for France".

Sweden

"This is a victory for the French people 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," said Prime Minister Stefan Lofven.

Brazil

"
I congratulate @EmmanuelMacron on his victory in the French presidential election. Brazil and France will continue to work together for democracy, human rights, development, integration and peace," tweeted President Michel Temer.

Others

Defeated US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, who like Macron had her campaign hacked, tweeted: "Victory for Macron, for France, the EU, & the world. Defeat to those interfering w/democracy. (But the media says I can't talk about that)."

Nigel Farage, former leader of British anti-EU party UKIP, who backed Le Pen, said on Twitter: "A giant deceit has been voted for today. Macron will be Juncker's puppet."

In The Netherlands, Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders commiserated with Le Pen, saying in a tweet: "Well done anyway @MLP_officiel millions of patriots voted for you! You will win next time -- and so will I!"

In Austria, Heinz-Christian Strache, head of the far-right Freedom Party, said Le Pen deserves "respect... She is from now on the strongest opposition force against Macron."

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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