The elected president is full of hope

French President-elect Emmanuel Macron shortly after the win declared the results of the election "hopeful" and opened a "new chapter" for France. But he will face many big challenges.

Mr Emronuel Macron reads his remarks after the victory in Paris on May 7 - Photo: Reuters

"A new chapter in our long history begins tonight. I want it to become a new hope and belief, "Macron told AFP. He acknowledged the French voters' concerns but insisted they would "fight the divisions that have destroyed France" and bring optimism to the people.

Mr Macron won the overwhelming victory, up to 30% less than Le Pen, in the election that Europeans hold their breath. Preliminary results from the French Ministry of the Interior based on the 20 million votes counted show that Mr Macron won 61.2 percent of the vote, 65 percent less than originally expected.

Immediately after preliminary results were announced, British, French and European Union leaders congratulated Mr Macron, a pro-EU politician.

"I am delighted that you have defended a progressive and powerful Europe," Reuters quoted European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker as saying to Macron.

In the United States, President Donald Trump has also congratulated Macron. "Congratulations to Emmanuel Macron to become the next president of France, and I hope to work with him," Trump wrote on Twitter.


Moment to announce Mr Macron wins election in Paris

Mr. Macron won despite the e-mail leak related to his campaign shortly before the vote. Voting in this year's election is also a record low with 25% of voters out of polling, sharply up from 19.6% in the 2012 election.

However, the new French president will face many challenges, of which the most important is the unity of the country. The split in France is reflected in the record for Le Pen extreme left candidate in the election. In the immediate future, he must win the majority in the parliamentary elections early next month.

Analysts say he will spend more time on economic reforms with campaign promises including a labor market reform that has nearly 10 percent unemployment, simplified taxation and pension systems. According to Reuters, despite winning the parliamentary election, his reforms could take years to bear fruit. He will also face the challenge of dealing with terrorism and reform of the EU.


Macron's supporters celebrate in Paris on May 7 - Photo: Reuters Thank you for leaving valuable comments