European leaders line up to welcome Macron election
Theresa May among the first to send a message of congratulations to French president-elect
Politicians from across Europe and the rest of the world have lined up to send their congratulations to Emmanuel Macron following his victory over Marine Le Pen in the second round of the French Presidential elections.
Theresa May - herself in the midst of an election campaign - was among the first European politicians to send a goodwill message to France's president-elect. A statement from Downing Street said: "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."
A spokesman for German chancellor Angela Merkel said the result was, 'a victory for a strong united Europe and for Franco-German friendship'.
US President Donald Trump, who had described Mme Le Pen as the strongest candidate on the ballot paper before the first round of voting, sent his good wishes in a tweet that read: "Congratulations to Emmanuel Macron on his big win today as the next President of France. I look very much forward to working with him!"
Others who tweeted their congratulations included EU President Donald Tusk, who said: "Congratulations @EmmanuelMacron. Congratulations to French people for choosing Liberty, Equality and Fraternity over tyranny of fake news."
EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker sent a similar message, while outgoing French president Francois Hollande tweeted: "I have called Emmanuel Macron to congratulate him warmly on his election. I have expressed all my best wishes for the success of our country."
French prime minister Bernard Cazeneuve, meanwhile, said that French voters had 'rejected the deadly project of the extreme right'.
His predecessor Manuel Valls added: "I welcome the large and successful victory of Emmanuel Macron. It is the fruit of a great mobilisation for the Republic and against hate."
