Politicians in Germany, Europe and worldwide reacted with relief to the re-election of Emmanuel Macron as French President. Chancellor Olaf Scholz congratulated the winner via Twitter: “Your voters have also sent a strong commitment to Europe today. I am pleased that we are continuing our good cooperation!.”
Other politicians in Germany made similar statements across party lines. President of the Bundestag Baerbel Bas (SPD) speaks in a tweet of “good news for Europe and for the continuation of the Franco-German friendship”. Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir (Greens) writes: “I’m sure it’s not just me that’s feeling a load off my chest.” CDU boss Friedrich Merz also sends congratulations to the French President. Europe also won the election. “Now a new attempt at Franco-German cooperation is possible and necessary!” said Merz at Twitter.
The AfD, on the other hand, congratulates the defeated right-wing extremist candidate Le Pen. AfD party leader Tino Chrupalla said after the release of the projection: “I congratulate our partner Marine Le Pen on her strong result.” Macron only “gained a fictitious victory”.
There is noticeable relief in Brussels over the defeat of Le Pen, who, as president, would have been expected to take a much more critical course on Europe. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Macron, who was superior in the election, with the words: “I look forward to continuing our excellent cooperation. Together we will advance France and Europe.”
Similarly expressed EU Council President Charles Michel. “We can count on France for five more years”, writes the Belgian on Twitter. “In these turbulent times, we need a strong Europe and a France fully committed to a sovereign and more strategic European Union.”
Congratulations also come from the White House. US President Joe Biden writes on Twitter: “France is our oldest ally and an important partner in global tasks.” He looks forward to continuing close cooperation, for example in supporting Ukraine, defending democracy and fighting climate change.
Of the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Macron considered with particularly warm words: “Congratulations to the President and a true friend on the re-election,” writes Zelensky in French on his official Twitter account.
“I wish him further successes for the benefit of the French people. I appreciate his support and I am convinced that we will set off on new common successes together! Here’s to a strong and united Europe!”