French election results live: Macron wins, beating Le Pen

During his political career of five years, Emmanuel Macron has gone from being a newbie in politics to a key world player and weighty decision-maker in the European Union. He is now deeply involved in efforts to mediate between Russia and Ukraine to end the war.

The outspoken 44-year-old centrist became the first French president to win a second term.

Mr Macron is often perceived as arrogant and out of touch with ordinary people by his critics. He has been notably dubbed “president of the rich”, especially during the “yellow vest” protests in the country against social injustice. He is also critically known for a perceived authoritarian attitude, believed to be responsible for violent incidents involving police during street protests.

Mr Macron rose to power after studying at France’s elite school Ecole Nationale d’Administration, and later went on to become a senior civil servant, then a banker at Rothschild for a few years, then economic adviser to Socialist president Francois Hollande. He emerged from that backstage role onto the political scene when he served as economy minister in Hollande’s government from 2014 to 2016.

Describing himself as “a president who believes in Europe”, he argues that the EU is the way for France to be stronger in a global world.

A strong advocate of entrepreneurial spirit, he has eased rules to hire and fire workers and made it harder to get unemployment benefits. Critics accuse him of destroying worker protections.

Emmanuel Macron defeated his far-right rival Marine Le Pen in the second round of France’s presidential election after winning 58.55 per cent of the votes against 41.45 per cent of Ms Le Pen, the official vote count by interior ministry showed on Monday.

It was a decline in Mr Macron’s vote share in comparison to his victory in 2017, when he won 66 per cent of the votes.

However, it was a boost for Ms Le Pen from five years ago when she got 33.9 per cent of votes.

The abstention rate was 28.1 per cent against 25.4 per cent in 2017, marking the lowest turnout ever recorded in a French presidential election final since 1969.

Emmanuel Macron’s victory was hailed globally as an example of “liberal democracy in action”, as a reprieve for mainstream politics rocked in recent years by Britain’s exit from the European Union, the 2016 election of Donald Trump and the rise of a new generation of nationalist leaders.

The UK prime minister wrote on Twitter: “Congratulations to Emmanuel Macron on your re-election as president of France.”

“France is one of our closest and most important allies. I look forward to continuing to work together on the issues which matter most to our two countries and to the world.”

US president Joe Biden said: “France is our oldest ally and a key partner in addressing global challenges.”
“I look forward to our continued close cooperation – including on supporting Ukraine, defending democracy, and countering climate change.”

Secretary of state Antony Blinken also congratulated Mr Macron and said: “We look forward to continuing close cooperation with France on global challenges, underpinning our long and enduring Alliance and friendship.”

Australian prime minister Scott Morrison said the victory of Mr Macron was a “great expression of liberal democracy in action in uncertain times … We wish you and France every success, in particular your leadership in Europe and as an important partner to Australia in the Indo-Pacific.”

Justin Trudeau, prime minister of Canada congratulated Mr Macron, writing on Twitter: “Looking forward to continuing our work together on the issues that matter most to people in Canada and France – from defending democracy, to fighting climate change, to creating good jobs and economic growth for the…