Gloating Macron makes victory speech, vowing to be France’s new ‘guardian’

EMMANUEL Macron declared himself the “guardian” of France, having been elected by French voters to  “block the ideas of the extreme right”.

The French President was addressing the nation in his victory speech following his re-election to a second five-year term. France strongly rejected Marine Le Pen, despite exit polls predicting Macron would win with 58% of the vote. Earlier on Sunday, the leader of the National Rally party admitted defeat but vowed to battle on.

Macron expressed gratitude to the French people for placing their faith in him to create a “more autonomous, stronger France.”

He said: “I also know that many compatriots voted for me to block the ideas of the extreme right.

“I want to thank them and tell them that I am aware that this vote obliges me for the years to come.

“I am the guardian of their attachment to the Republic.”

The re-elected President assured his opponent’s supporters in a conciliatory statement that he would attempt to address their issues.

Macron continued: “I am no longer the candidate of some but the president of all.

“I know that for many of our compatriots who chose the far right, the anger and disagreement that led them to vote for this project, obliges us to find an answer.

“We must respond effectively to the anger that has been expressed.”

Le Pen struggled to conceal her severe disappointment at the outcome, having hoped to cause serious upheaval in French politics.

The far-right lawmaker attempted to focus her campaign on everyday concerns, such as the rising cost of living.

She told her supporters: “We would of course have liked the result to be different.

“With more than 43% of the vote, this represents a striking victory. Millions of our compatriots have chosen the Rassemblement National (National Rally party).

For the latest International News Follow BOL News on Google News. Read more on Latest International News on oldsite.bolnews.com