Photo by the Government of France shows Marcon as Minister for Finance and Economy via Wikimedia Commons
Centrist politician Emmanuel Macron Sunday won what has been called France’ defining presidential election, marking the European power’s embrace of moderation vis-à-vis reactionary approach his far right opponent Marine Le Pen propagated throughout the campaign.
Though final results are not expected until late into Sunday evening, Pen conceded her defeat and Marcon’s supporters went into celebratory mode after preliminary trends became known.
In Washington, Donald Trump’s White House greeted Marcon on his victory, and looked forward to continuing close U.S.-French cooperation with his incoming government.
“We congratulate President-elect Macron and the people of France on their successful presidential election. We look forward to working with the new President and continuing our close cooperation with the French government,” White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said in a statement.
Marcon, a 39-year-old, is regarded as a non-traditional politician and a neophyte in the face of a series of challenges facing Paris and the continent.
His victory eases concerns over the future direction of the country among immigrant communities as well as among European and international friends of the country.
On the other hand, Pen espoused xenophobic and nationalist ideas, viewed as a threat to the future of the European Union.
Marcon’s victory in the election means his presidency will have to address some of the thorny issues of the time including European unity, economic policies, security, issues over bureaucracy, climate change and the question of refugees.
