French President Emmanuel Macron was re-elected for a second term on Sunday night as he defeated far-right rival Marine Le Pen. The 44-year-old centrist candidate won with 58% of the votes - beating Le Pen with 42%.
This victory makes Macron the first president to win a second term since Jacques Chirac in 2002. However, despite winning via an emphatic majority, the number of people who did not vote reached just over 28%, the highest in any presidential election since 1969. Here's a breakdown of what his victory means for France and beyond.
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Why was it so contentious?
The political divide in France has never been as wide as it has been in this election, with the three leading candidates representing vastly different positions on the political compass. Runner-up Le Pen’s anti-immigration policies sparked outrage across Europe which led to more widespread media attention from the wider world and a tense and contentious campaign.
The election saw left-wing candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon eliminated in the first round of voting, leading to fears that tactical voting could go either way, despite Melenchon endorsing Macron. But in the end, Macron secured the majority.
During his victory speech underneath the Eiffel Tower, Macron said: “I know a lot of people voted for me tonight, not because of my ideals, but to block the far-right. I have been entrusted with their sense of duty for the next five years.”
Who is Le Pen?
Former lawyer turned politician Le Pen ran for her third French presidential election this year, finishing as the runner-up behind Macron for a second election running. She is a candidate for National Rally, a far-right anti-immigration party, advocating stricter control of immigration and protection of French identity.
Ahead of the 2022 election, Le Pen promised to reclaim control of borders from the EU. Summing up her manifesto, she said: "One, France will control its own migration policies. Two, foreigners who want to come here will have enough resources to look after their own needs. Three, it's for us, the French, to decide who can stay and who must leave.”
What does this mean for France and beyond?
The president has promised in his victory to provide easier access to social benefits, to continue subsidising nation-wide insulation programs and protect biodiversity and legislate for a greener farming industry. These policies largely follow in the same direction as his previous term – but the defeat of Le Pen, represents France’s rejection of far-right nationalism.
In wider terms, Macron’s victory ensures France will likely remain in the European Union (EU) for the next five years, due to his desire to steer the EU toward a stronger, more independent future. For Britain, it could mean further negotiations with the EU could be made more difficult.
With Angela Merkel’s retirement, Macron has become one of the most influential figures in the EU and has often butted heads with Boris Johnson. Macron has been very outspoken in his opposition to Brexit, previously referring to the British exit as a ‘crime’, while Brexit fishing license rows continue to this day. To keep up to date with the latest political news, subscribe to our Wales Matters newsletter here.
