French centrist Macron: a novice at the Elysee Palace
French President elect Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Trogneux celebrate on the stage at his victory rally near the Louvre in Paris, France May 7, 2017. [Photo/Agencies] |
PARIS - Centrist former economy minister Emmanuel Macron has won the French presidential election, defeating his far-right rival Marine Le Pen in Sunday's runoff vote, making him the youngest president in France's modern history, according to polling agency projections.
The projections indicate that Macron garnered between 65 to 66.1 percent of votes, and Le Pen between 33.9 to 35 percent.
Official results with more details, to be published in days by the Constitutional Council, are for sure to be in accordance with the current estimation.
Thousands of the independent winner's supporters gathered in high spirit at the courtyard outside the Louvre Museum in central Paris where a grand celebration for his victory has been planned for the whole night.
The joyful crowd waved French and the European Union (EU) flags, mirroring Macron's pro-EU position and vision for the European integration.
"A new page of history is starting today. I want this page to be one of hope and trust," said Macron in a winning speech in his En Marche! (On the Move!) movement's headquarters.
"It's a great honor and a great responsibility... I will do everything I can to not let you down," he added with a stern tone.
"My responsibility will be to ease fears. My responsibility will be to unite all the women and men ready to face the gigantic challenges that await us," he said.
Macron then joined his supporters outside the Louvre Museum, where he also delivered a passionate speech calling for braveness and unity.