On his first post-election trip, Macron was met by tomatoes.

CERGY PONTOISE: A dissatisfied bystander tossed a bundle of tomatoes at French President Emmanuel Macron as he made his first public appearance since his weekend re-election triumph.

Following his victory over far-right leader Marine Le Pen on Sunday, Macron has spent the previous few days hidden in an out-of-town villa and then the Elysee Palace, contemplating the creation of a new administration.

But, in keeping with his promise of uniting a divided France, he chose the French town of Cergy-Pointoise in the Paris suburbs for his first post-election visit, a low-income area where far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon won the first round of voting on April 10.

When a handful of cherry tomatoes zipped by near to Macron’s face, missing him but hitting onlookers, Macron was speaking with residents.

His security team rushed quickly, shouting “projectile! projectile!” and shielding Macron’s head with their hands before putting a black umbrella over his head. Macron seems unfazed, but eager to get back to work as soon as possible.

“No, no, no!” He could be heard saying, “No fighting.”

While the event was modest, it served as a reminder of the difficulties in adequately securing a president who enjoys immersing himself in people, especially in hazardous environments.

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On another trip in June 2021, he was slapped in the face by a man while welcoming villagers.

Officials from the Elysee stressed that the visit to Cergy-Pointoise had been characterised by a pleasant environment, despite an extreme crush generated by individuals attempting to get as near to the president as possible.

“We truly need to provide the conditions for real and effective equality of opportunity in the poorest neighbourhoods, whether in cities or rural areas,” Macron said during the visit.

He explained, “It’s the only way to get rid of this suspicion… and sense of desertion.”

The election results are expected to be certified by France’s Constitutional Council this week, paving the way for Macron’s second term to begin next month.

Macron is expected to name a new prime minister and government in the coming days, with legislative elections in June in mind, but he has given few hints as to who he may be considering.

“I will pick someone who is committed to social and environmental issues and is productive,” he declared, as talk swirled that for the first time since Edith Cresson in 1991, a woman will lead the administration.