Enlarge image
Emmanuel Macron during his speech on Sunday evening
Photo: LUDOVIC MARIN / AFP
Emmanuel Macron did it: as the first incumbent in twenty years, he was re-elected as French President on Sunday.
That evening, well after his adversary Marine Le Pen, Macron took the stage at the foot of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
"Thank you, dear friends," he greeted the crowd.
Macron promised a stronger Europe and a more independent France.
He wants to turn his country into a great, green nation.
In his short speech he spoke of a republican, social project and promised progress to the French youth.
Macron said he is now President of all French and proud to serve his country again.
He knows that many people did not vote for him and his ideals in the first place, but voted to prevent extreme right-wingers.
There must be "answers" to their "anger and dissenting opinions," said Macron.
"I know her vote will commit me for years to come." He stopped his fans from booing his adversary when he mentioned her.
Together with his wife Brigitte, Macron went to the stage before the performance, accompanied by several young people, in the background the European anthem "Ode to Joy" was played.
According to initial projections, Macron won the election with around 58 percent of the vote.
Le Pen received around 42 percent of the vote.
An official result is not yet available.
More soon at SPIEGEL.de
slu