Update‘Tonight, France won’, president-elect Emmanuel Macron declares, after thrashing far-right’s Le Pen
The victory caps an extraordinary rise for the 39-year-old former investment banker, who secured 66 per cent of the vote
Pro-European centrist Emmanuel Macron has resoundingly won France’s landmark presidential election, defeating far-right leader Marine Le Pen in a pivotal vote for the future of the divided country and Europe.
At 39, the former investment banker will be the country’s youngest-ever leader and faces a huge challenge to heal a fractured and demoralised country.
The vicious election campaign that culminated in Sunday’s second round of voting has exposed deep economic and social divisions, as well as tensions around identity and immigration. Le Pen conceded defeat in a phone call to Macron, who received two-thirds of the vote.
Thousands of flag-waving supporters gave Macron a rapturous welcome Sunday as he strode into the courtyard of the Louvre museum to the strains of the European anthem after his decisive win.
The glass pyramid in the world-famous courtyard glowed golden as Macron made a solitary walk to a stage in front, looking solemn.
“Tonight, France won,” the pro-EU centrist, who will become the nation’s youngest ever president cried to the crowds, who yelled with joy. “Everyone told us it was impossible, but they don’t know France,” he said, before vowing: “I will serve you with love.”