World leaders on Monday largely hailed the thumping victory of Emmanuel Macron in France’s presidential election.
US President Donald Trump congratulated Macron on his “big win” and said he looks forward to working with the centrist leader, in an attempt to leave behind the tacit support he had offered to his main rival Marine le Pen ahead of the polls.
British Prime Minister Theresa May, who is currently negotiating Britain’s exit from the EU, said, “I look forward to working with him on a wide range of shared priorities.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated Macron, saying China and France shared a “responsibility toward peace and development in the world.”
The European Council President said, “Congratulations to EmmanuelMacron, the French who chose freedom, equality and fraternity and said no to the tyranny of the ‘fake news’”.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel described his victory as “a victory for a strong and united Europe and for French- German friendship.”
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said, “The victory of President-elect Macron is a symbolic victory against inward- looking and protectionist moves and shows a vote of confidence in the EU”.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, “I look forward to working closely with President-elect Macron in the years ahead as we work together on a progressive agenda to promote international security, increase collaboration in science and technology, and create good, middle class jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin asked Emmanuel Macron to bridge deep rifts between Moscow and Paris and work together to fight the threat of terror.