The Alliance of liberals and democrats for Europe in the European Parliament warmly welcome the election of En Marche’s Emmanuel Macron as new President of the French Republic. With a total of 66.06.% the vote in the second round of election, Macron has largely defeated far-right Front National’s candidate Marine Le Pen to become the youngest French president ever.

Guy Verhofstadt, ALDE Group leader, said: “Congratulations to Emmanuel Macron for this amazing victory. We, liberals and democrats, supported him since the beginning of his campaign, and we’re glad he gathered so much support around a liberal, social and pro-European project. Yesterday, populism suffered a huge setback, but the work is far from done and there is no room for complacency. Nationalist forces and euro scepticism remain strong, which is why we need a strong European reform agenda. Progressive forces are now looking for France to take the lead and forge a New Deal for Europe. This will require a large parliamentary majority, and I hope the French people will give Macron the means to deliver his ambitious vision for France and Europe.”

Sylvie Goulard, member of En Marche, who played a prominent role in Macron’s campaign, concluded: “Finally! Finally, Europe and France reconciled! What a symbol: a young president, focused on the future, entering the Louvre of the Kings of France at the sound of the European hymn. Behind him, when he speaks, the pyramid of the Chinese architect Pei. France, open to the world and deeply European, will still surprise the world. This is the best way for our country to reform and heal its wounds.”

Marielle de Sarnez (Modem, France), ALDE Vice-President, added: “The election of Emmanuel Macron is a choice of confidence in the future, not underestimating the challenges the country is facing, but deciding to tackle them. Unity will be key: if we are not united, we will not be strong. We need the French people to unite and to regain its energy in order to face these challenges. That will be Emmanuel Macron’s absolute priority.”