World leaders rushed to congratulate France’s centrist President Emmanuel Macron on his re-election and defeat of far-right leader Marine Le Pen in elections Sunday. “We can count on France for five more years,” European Council President Charles Michel wrote on Twitter.
“I am delighted to be able to continue our excellent cooperation,” tweeted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “France is our oldest ally and a key partner in addressing global challenges,” US President Joe Biden tweeted. “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 Macron. “We look forward to continuing close cooperation with France on global challenges, underpinning our long and enduring Alliance and friendship,” he wrote. Chancellor Olaf Scholz said French voters “have sent a strong vote of confidence in Europe today. I am happy that we will continue our good cooperation.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson called France “one of our closest and most important allies.” Johnson, in a tweet, said he looked forward “to continuing to work together on the issues which matter most to our two countries and to the world.”
President VolodymyrZelensky, who has spoken with Macron several times since Russia’s invasion on February 24, congratulated his French counterpart by phone.—AFP
