It’s now Macron vs Le Pen
Outsiders in run-off as French traditional powers suffer heavy blows
PARIS: Pro-European centrist Emmanuel Macron and anti-immigration leader Marine Le Pen began a final duel for the French presidency, after a first round of voting delivered a stunning blow to the traditional political class.
Macron is the clear favourite to become France’s youngest president after topping Sunday’s ballot with 23.75% of votes, slightly ahead of National Front (FN) leader Le Pen on 21.53%, according to final results.
“For months and again today I’ve heard the doubts, the anger and the fears of the French people. Their desire for change too,” 39-year-old Macron told thousands of flagwaving, cheering supporters in Paris on Sunday.
He pledged to unite “patriots” behind his agenda to renew French politics and modernise the country against Le Pen and “the threat of nationalists” as mainstream political leaders urged voters to back him and keep the far-right away from the Elysee Palace.
Polls suggest the ex-investment banker would beat Le Pen easily in the second round run-off on May 7, which will not feature a candidate from the traditional left or right for the first time in six decades.
Despite serving as economy minister in the outgoing Socialist government of Francois Hollande, Macron casts himself as a political “outsider” who only recently formed his movement En Marche! (On the move).
“The challenge is to break completely with the system which has been unable to find solutions to the problems of our country for more than 30 years,” Macron said, already eyeing crucial parliamentary elections in June.
Amid jubilant scenes at Macron’s party, supporter Marie-Helene Visconti, a 60-year-old artist, said the result was “a victory for openness, social-mindedness”.
The outcome capped an extraordinary campaign in a deeply divided and demoralised France, which has been rocked by a series of terror attacks since 2015 and remains stuck with low economic growth.
Le Pen, who has hardened her anti-immigration and anti-Europe rhetoric over the past week, hailed a “historic vote” in front of her supporters, adding: “The first stage has been passed.”
The French vote was being closely watched as a bellwether for populist sentiment following the election of Donald Trump as US President and Britain’s vote to leave the EU.
Throughout the campaign, Macron insisted France was “contrarian” – ready to elect a pro-globalisation liberal at a time when right-wing nationalists are making gains around the world.
The euro rose sharply as fears of France pulling out of the single currency and European Union receded and traders eyed a Macron win in the second round.
“Most likely, the French election can mark a turning point for France and Europe,” said analyst Holger Schmieding from Berenberg Bank.
Le Pen follows in the footsteps of her father Jean-Marie, who made it through to the 2002 presidential run-off in what came as a political earthquake for France. — AFP