Muristek
Paris, April 24
French President Emmanuel Macron defeated his far-right rival Marine Le Pen on Sunday by a comfortable margin, securing a second term and heading off what would have been a political earthquake.
Next hurdle only few weeks ahead
A first major challenge will be the parliamentary elections in JuneMacron may face protests if he passes pension reformVolatile energy prices, popular dislike may spell troubleIn this defeat, I feel a form of hope. I'll never abandon the French. — Le Pen
Together we will make France and Europe advance. — Ursula von der Leyen, EU President
Cheers of joy erupted as the results appeared on a giant screen at the Champ de Mars Park at the foot of the Eiffel tower, where Macron supporters waved French and EU flags. People hugged each other and chanted "Macron".
In contrast, a gathering of dejected Le Pen supporters erupted in boos and whistles at a sprawling reception hall on the outskirts of Paris.
Le Pen admitted defeat, but vowed to keep up the fight, with the June parliamentary elections in mind.
"I will never abandon the French," she said to supporters chanting "Marine! Marine!"
The first pollsters' projections showed Macron securing around 57-58 per cent of the votes. Such estimates are normally accurate but may be fine-tuned as official results come in from around the country throughout the evening.
But Macron can expect little to no grace period after many, especially on the left only voted for him reluctantly to block the far-right from winning. Protests that marred part of his first mandate could erupt again quite quickly, as he tries to press on with pro-business reforms. — Reuters