World leaders welcome Macron’s French election win

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.

Here are some of the main reactions:

– European Union –

“I am delighted to be able to continue our excellent cooperation,” tweeted
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

“We can count on France for five more years,” European Council President
Charles Michel wrote on Twitter.

– United States –

“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.

– Germany –

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”.

– Britain –

Prime Minister Boris Johnson called France “one of our closest and most
important allies” and said he looked forward “to continuing to work together
on the issues which matter most to our two countries and to the world”.

– Ukraine –

President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has spoken with Macron several times since
Russia’s invasion on February 24, called Macron a “true friend of Ukraine.”

“I wish him further success for the sake of the (French) people. I appreciate
his support and I am convinced that we are moving together towards new common
victories,” he wrote in both Ukrainian and French.

– Russia –

Russian President Vladimir Putin wrote in a telegram: “I sincerely wish you
success in your state activities, as well as good health and well-being,”
according to a statement from the Kremlin.

– China –

China President Xi Jinping said he would “like to continue working with
President Macron to maintain diplomatic relations based on independence,
mutual understanding, foresight and mutual benefit,” according to a readout
from state broadcaster CCTV.

– Australia –

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Macron’s victory was a “great
expression of liberal democracy in action in uncertain times”.

“We wish you and France every success, in particular your leadership in
Europe and as an important partner to Australia in the Indo-Pacific,” he
tweeted.

In November, Macron accused his Australian counterpart of lying over a
multibillion-dollar submarine contract that Canberra scrapped without
warning.

– Canada –

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was “looking forward to continuing our
work together on the issues that matter most to people in Canada and France –
– from defending democracy, to fighting climate change, to creating good jobs
and economic growth for the middle class”.

– India –

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated his “friend” on being re-elected
and said “I look forward to continue working together to deepen the India-
France Strategic Partnership.”

– Japan –

Tweeting in French, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida wrote: “We will
strengthen our close cooperation with President Macron in various areas, such
as the Indo-Pacific region and the Russian aggression against Ukraine.”

– Italy –

Prime Minister Mario Draghi described Macron’s victory as “great news for all
of Europe”.

– Spain –

“The citizens have chosen a France committed to a free, strong and fair EU.
Democracy wins. Europe wins,” tweeted socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
“Congratulations Emmanuel Macron.”

– Belgium –

Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said French voters had made a “strong
choice”, opting for “certainty and Enlightenment values”.

– UN bodies –

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi sent his “warm
congratulations” and said his organisation would continue to count on
Macron’s support on the European and world stage “as humanitarian challenges
and refugee crises become more serious and complex every day”.

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he
looked forward to “continuing the important partnership” with France “for a
healthier, safer, fairer world”.

– Ireland –

Prime Minister Micheal Martin hailed Macron’s “principled and dynamic
leadership” as “important not only for France, but for Europe”.

– Switzerland –

President Ignazio Cassis said he looked forward to “continuing our good
collaboration,” stressing the close ties between the two neighbouring
countries.

– Sweden –

Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson sent her “warmest congratulations”.

“Let’s continue our close cooperation – bilaterally and for a competitive,
green and resilient European Union,” she tweeted.

– African Union –

African Union Commission chief Moussa Faki Mahamat congratulated Macron over
“his brilliant re-election”, saying he hoped to continue building “mutually
beneficial relations between Africa and France”.

AFP