World leaders and other political heavyweights have sent congratulatory messages to France’s president-elect, Emmanuel Macron on his victory over Marine Le Pen.
U.S. President 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!”
Congratulations to Emmanuel Macron on his big win today as the next President of France. I look very much forward to working with him!
Trump had not publicly endorsed either candidate ahead of the election, but let it be known he generally favored Marine Le Pen’s views.
Former U.S. presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, American civil rights leader Jesse Jackson and New York mayor Bill de Blasio, among others, congratulated Macron and the people of France for the presidential election result.
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)
“Your victory is a victory for a strong and united Europe and for French-German friendship,” German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s spokesman said in statement.
FILE – German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrives for an EU summit at the Europa building in Brussels on Thursday, March 9, 2017.
Macron spoke with Merkel after his victory was announced, telling her that he would travel to Berlin “very quickly.”
A British spokesman for Prime Minister Theresa May said in a statement that May “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.”
FILE – Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May welcomes Head of the European Commission, President Jean-Claude Juncker to Downing Street in London, April 26, 2017.
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 leaders also offered congratulations to Macron: “Happy that the French chose a European future,” European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker wrote on Twitter.
EU Council President Donald Tusk said the French had chosen “liberty, equality and fraternity” and “said no to the tyranny of fake news.”
In a message posted Monday on the Kremlin website, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Macron and called on him to “overcome mutual mistrust and unite to ensure international stability and security.”
FILE – Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures as he speaks to the media after his talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at Putin’s residence in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia, May 2, 2017.
Putin said, “The citizens of France have entrusted you to lead the country in a period that is difficult for Europe and for all of world society. The growing threat of terrorism and militant extremism is accompanied by an escalation of local conflicts and the destabilization of entire regions.”
The Kremlin said Putin told Macron the Russian leader is ready to cooperate on bilateral, regional and global issues.
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.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping said in his message to Macron that China is willing to push partnership with France to a higher level. Xi said their countries share a “responsibility toward peace and development in the world.”
FILE – Chinese President Xi Jinping adjusts his jacket during the opening session of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) was held in Beijing, China, March 3, 2017.
Xi recalled that France was the first Western power to establish diplomatic relations with communist-ruled China in 1964.
Other world leaders from Canada to Latin America to Australia also congratulated Macron on his historic victory.
Macron, the youngest French leader since the Emperor Napoleon, will take office on May 14, 2017.
Source – VOA
