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French election: Putin calls for end of 'mutual mistrust' after Macron victory – live updates French election: Putin calls for end of 'mutual mistrust' after Macron victory – live updates
(35 minutes later)
10.50am BST
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10:48
Guardian-reading Macron voters share their reactions to Macron’s win, and their hopes for the future of France.
Hugo Tétu, 27, unemployed, ParisIn the first round I voted for Jean-Luc Mélenchon, but I didn’t like the way he didn’t support [Macron]. I felt a kind of responsibility toward all the people in France and elsewhere who couldn’t vote, and wanted to.Terrorism, unemployment and mistrust are the most pressing issues facing France. This will be fixed by coping with the economy, public life which he wants to moralise.
Michèle, 65, writer, Drôme
I’m ecstatic. I feel as if my life has been saved. I feel that Europe has been saved. The thought of a fascist president was too much to contemplate, especially after Brexit. The EU might really not have survived a Frexit. I think his centrist approach, niether right nor left, is the only way forward from this right left divide which means nothing ever gets done anywhere. He’s inspiring. And he believes in the EU, as I do. I would have voted for whoever stood against Le Pen, but I voted for Macron out of total conviction.
Vincent, 24, law student, RennesI voted for Macron without hesitation. I would have been happy to vote for Macron, if he was clear in the policies that he wants to lead. [...]
Our most important problems are all about economy, poverty, and the most marginalised parts of our population that are struggling with no end in sight. This explains the votes for the Front National in the north.
10.44am BST
10:44
This is interesting - the number one reason Macron voters gave for backing their candidate was “France’s image abroad”. In second they valued honesty and in third “new ideas”.
Analysis of what motivated Macron voters: no 1 France's image abroad https://t.co/BKXrrMqSWs
10.37am BST
10:37
A little insight, thanks to the Figaro sport department, on Macron’s love of the beautiful game and sport more generally.
Macron is a graduate of the French Federation of Football, when he was a student at L’ENA, Macron is a lifelong Marseille fan. Apparently he also plays tennis, runs and goes skiing.
Here is is playing football with some young fans:
Plat du pied, sécurité. pic.twitter.com/qnteLRpsjx
He has described Paris’ bid to host the 2024 Olympic Games as a “boon for the economy”.
10.13am BST10.13am BST
10:1310:13
Hollande and Macron meet for the first time since victoryHollande and Macron meet for the first time since victory
Première rencontre depuis la victoire de son ancien ministre pic.twitter.com/aCdWuMHoTKPremière rencontre depuis la victoire de son ancien ministre pic.twitter.com/aCdWuMHoTK
Smiling father and son moment for Hollande and Macron - Hollande pats him on back, looks as if he'd almost hug him https://t.co/uIYwdL2aKmSmiling father and son moment for Hollande and Macron - Hollande pats him on back, looks as if he'd almost hug him https://t.co/uIYwdL2aKm
10.09am BST10.09am BST
10:0910:09
Nicolas Sarkozy has congratulated Emmanuel MacronNicolas Sarkozy has congratulated Emmanuel Macron
EN DIRECT. Nicolas #Sarkozy félicite Emmanuel #Macron https://t.co/xittPp2P4l #8mai1945 pic.twitter.com/tUp1WCMCrfEN DIRECT. Nicolas #Sarkozy félicite Emmanuel #Macron https://t.co/xittPp2P4l #8mai1945 pic.twitter.com/tUp1WCMCrf
Nicolas Sarkozy has congratulated Macron for “this beautiful election” and said he wished “the best for France, from the bottom of my heart”.Nicolas Sarkozy has congratulated Macron for “this beautiful election” and said he wished “the best for France, from the bottom of my heart”.
Questioned on France 2, at the VE day commemorations the former president said:Questioned on France 2, at the VE day commemorations the former president said:
I must first congratulate president Macron for this beautiful election and wish from the bottom of my heart the best for France.I must first congratulate president Macron for this beautiful election and wish from the bottom of my heart the best for France.
When you love your country, you can’t but wish the best for him. I know from experience that now the difficult [work] begins.When you love your country, you can’t but wish the best for him. I know from experience that now the difficult [work] begins.
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The final figures are in...The final figures are in...
After all the votes have been counted, the official breakdown of votes in the second round of the 2017 French presidential election are in: Macron took 66.1% of the vote; Le Pen took 33.9%.After all the votes have been counted, the official breakdown of votes in the second round of the 2017 French presidential election are in: Macron took 66.1% of the vote; Le Pen took 33.9%.
#BREAKING Macron won 66.1%, Le Pen 33.9% in French vote: final results#BREAKING Macron won 66.1%, Le Pen 33.9% in French vote: final results
9.52am BST9.52am BST
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France marks the 72nd anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in 1945, with a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris pic.twitter.com/6m88mFUSO4France marks the 72nd anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in 1945, with a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris pic.twitter.com/6m88mFUSO4
Macron has arrived for a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe for the French 1945 armistice VE day commemorations this morning. He will stand alongside François Hollande, in what as seen as a symbolic handing over of power from one president to the next.Macron has arrived for a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe for the French 1945 armistice VE day commemorations this morning. He will stand alongside François Hollande, in what as seen as a symbolic handing over of power from one president to the next.
Arrivée du nouveau chef de l'Etat à l'Arc de triomphe, suivi par une nuée de motards et de caméras #8mai pic.twitter.com/IaWmCvcMcZArrivée du nouveau chef de l'Etat à l'Arc de triomphe, suivi par une nuée de motards et de caméras #8mai pic.twitter.com/IaWmCvcMcZ
9.32am BST9.32am BST
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Macron has got around to changing his Twitter profile bio:Macron has got around to changing his Twitter profile bio:
🔴 EN DIRECT - Macron met à jour son compte Twitter #Presidentielle2017 >> https://t.co/By1jZoPNJM pic.twitter.com/N2w571i0Iz🔴 EN DIRECT - Macron met à jour son compte Twitter #Presidentielle2017 >> https://t.co/By1jZoPNJM pic.twitter.com/N2w571i0Iz
9.31am BST9.31am BST
09:3109:31
For the French speakers among you this is a good round-up video of last night’s key moments from Le Monde (and if you don’t speak French, it’s relatively easy to follow).For the French speakers among you this is a good round-up video of last night’s key moments from Le Monde (and if you don’t speak French, it’s relatively easy to follow).
Récit en images d’une soirée de records. #Présidentielle2017 pic.twitter.com/31FFEP0mWURécit en images d’une soirée de records. #Présidentielle2017 pic.twitter.com/31FFEP0mWU
Some key figures from the video:Some key figures from the video:
Macron took 66.06% of the vote, the second highest score in the second round of a presidential vote since 1965.Macron took 66.06% of the vote, the second highest score in the second round of a presidential vote since 1965.
But that pales in comparison with the highest figure: Jacques Chirac beat Marine Le Pen’s father in the 2002 second round with 82.21%.But that pales in comparison with the highest figure: Jacques Chirac beat Marine Le Pen’s father in the 2002 second round with 82.21%.
But three other statistics indicate that Macron’s political journey may be fraught with danger.But three other statistics indicate that Macron’s political journey may be fraught with danger.
More people abstained in this election than at any time since 1969, with 25.4% of the population choosing not to vote.More people abstained in this election than at any time since 1969, with 25.4% of the population choosing not to vote.
Meanwhile 11.5% of voters spoiled their ballot - the highest recorded figure in the 5th republic.Meanwhile 11.5% of voters spoiled their ballot - the highest recorded figure in the 5th republic.
Marine Le Pen got 10.5m vote, more than twice the number her father achieved in 2002.Marine Le Pen got 10.5m vote, more than twice the number her father achieved in 2002.
9.11am BST
09:11
Putin calls on France to "overcome mutual mistrust" in wake of Macron victory
Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Macron on his victory and wished him “strong health” for the job ahead, the Kremlin announced today (in Russian here).
In a telegram Putin told the new president that Russia is ready for constructive work on bilateral and global issues. He urged Macron to “overcome mutual distrust” and join forces.
He said:
The citizens of France have entrusted you the leadership of the country at a difficult time for Europe and for the entire international community.
Putin added that the growing threat of terrorism and the destabilisation of entire regions, made it “particularly important to overcome mutual distrust and unite efforts to ensure international stability and security.”
Updated
at 9.40am BST
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09:04
Graeme Wearden
Updated
at 9.06am BST
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09:02
Macron’s chief economics adviser Jean Pisani-Ferry has offered a conciliatory message to Britain, saying the new president will not punish Britain for its decision to leave the EU.
We have been very many. Plus one! https://t.co/oJApGBkoUK
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme Pisani-Ferry said a hard Brexit that completely severs ties between Britain and the rest of the European Union is in no one’s interest, and called for security and economic ties to be maintained.
8.46am BST
08:46
Angelique Chrisafis
Analysis: What now for #Macron? The leader who would be both revolutionary and king https://t.co/DHhzLuHNJj
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08:26
France 24 have interviewed Le Pen aide Jean Messiha about the challenges facing the National Front party.
Of course it’s a defeat, of course we are a little bit disappointed by the result but if we take the good aspect of this [..] we are at a historic level of voters - almost 11mm people voted for Marine Le Pen.
As Le Pen was pictured dancing “Le Rock” following the result - it seems fairly safe to say she doesn’t see the result as a crushing defeat. (Or she might just love “rock n roll” dancing like every other French person ever).
On assignment for @FRANCE24 Marine Le Pen dancing a rock after conceding defeat to Emmanuel Macron in French presidential race pic.twitter.com/4UoQ58mYIJ
8.00am BST
08:00
Euro rallies to six-month high
The Euro has rallied to a six-month high after Macron’s victory last night:
Euro rallies after Macron wins French presidency https://t.co/zibHSXjAzR pic.twitter.com/XmSLZOR9j0
This from AFP:
The euro rallied to a six-month high against the dollar in early Asia-Pacific forex trading Monday after pro-European centrist Emmanuel Macron won the French presidency in a resounding victory over far-right rival Marine Le Pen.
The single currency reached $1.1023, its highest level since November, from $1.0998 on Friday but the gains were modest compared to the reaction following his first round victory last month with markets largely pricing in Le Pen’s defeat.
Updated
at 9.13am BST
7.58am BST
07:58
To find out more about Emmanuel Macron in just three minutes, here is our essential primer:
7.52am BST
07:52
Speculation is rife this morning about who new French president Macron will choose as his prime minister.
As a relative unknown, some have suggested that a high-profile name is in the offing, in order to boost support for Macron’s fledgling party En Marche! in the French legislative elections in June.
As Macron promised he would appoint more women to office if he was elected, and hinted he may appoint a female prime minster.
There has been speculation that overtures could be made to International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde - one of France’s best known faces.
Quel Premier ministre souhaitez-vous voir nommé par Macron ? Christine Lagarde a les faveurs des Français https://t.co/EnTfpP9iXE pic.twitter.com/EoubVQChU5
“Selecting Lagarde as prime minister would be smart,” Laure Mandeville, veteran political reporter for the French publication Le Figaro and best-selling author, told Newsmax, “And it would bring lots of voters to his camp for the parliamentary election.”
Other potential candidates include Sylvie Goulard, a member of the European Parliament from the centrist Democratic movement, and Anne-Marie Idrac, former secretary of state for transport in outgoing Socialist President Francois Hollande’s cabinet.
Jean-Yves LeDrian, defense minister in the Hollande government, and Lyon Mayor Gerard Collombe, another Socialist are said to be in the running.
Macron said on Friday he had decided who would be his prime minister if he won Sunday’s vote - but the name was only “in his head”.
But as Angelique has tweeted: Macon has said he will not announce his prime minster until he officially becomes president next Sunday.
Macron spokesman says he won't name his prime minister before he takes power next Sunday
7.33am BST
07:33
If you are coming fresh to our coverage of the French election then our main story by Paris correspondent Angelique Chrisafis is an excellent place to start:
The pro-EU centrist Emmanuel Macron has won the French presidency in a decisive victory over the far-right Front National leader, Marine Le Pen, and vowed to unite a divided and fractured France.
Macron, 39, a former economy minister who ran as a “neither left nor right” independent promising to shake up the French political system, took 65.1% to Le Pen’s 34.9%, according to initial projections from early counts.
His victory was hailed by his supporters as holding back a tide of populism after the Brexit vote and Donald Trump’s victory in the US election.
Addressing thousands of supporters in the grand courtyard of the Louvre, the vast Paris palace-turned-museum, Macron said he would defend France and Europe. He said Europe and the world are “watching us” and “waiting for us to defend the spirit of the Enlightenment, threatened in so many places”.
He promised to unite a divided and fractured France, saying: “I will do everything to make sure you never have reason again to vote for extremes.”
Speaking of his meteoric rise and victory that was not forecast even a year ago, he said: “Everyone said it was impossible. But they didn’t know France!”
7.23am BST
07:23
Good morning and welcome to our second day of live coverage of the French presidential election. Here is what we know so far this morning:
• Independent centrist Emmanuel Macron, 39, who was unknown three years ago, has become France’s youngest-ever president after a 66% to 34% victory in the second round run-off against the far-right Front National’s Marine Le Pen.
• The resounding win has been hailed by his supporters as holding back a tide of populism after the Brexit vote and Donald Trump’s victory in the US election.
• In Macron’s fairly subdued victory speech the political outsider vowed to unite a divided and fractured France, saying the world was watching and “waiting for us to defend the spirit of the Enlightenment, threatened in so many places”.
• Despite her loss, Le Pen’s score marked a historical high point for the French right. In a defiant concession speech, Le Pen said she was leader of “the biggest opposition force” in France and vowed to radically overhaul her party.
• With 99.99% of ballots counted early on Monday, Macron had 66.06% of the vote, and Le Pen 33.94%. Turnout was 74.62% – the lowest in 40 years.
• Macron now faces the challenge of trying to win a parliamentary majority for his fledgling political movement En Marche! in legislative elections next month. Without a majority, he will not be able to carry out his manifesto promises.
• World leaders including Trump, Theresa May and Justin Trudeau have congratulated Macron.
• The British prime minister spoke to Macron in a brief call in which the pair discussed Brexit. Macron also had a “warm” conversation with German chancellor Angela Merkel.
• Financial markets have been muted in response to Macron’s victory, the Euro remaining fairly flat in early Asian trading.