Macron Beats the Wave of Populism

Macron Beats the Wave of Populism

Great relief: after the victory of Emmanuel Macron in the French presidential election, international politicians see Europe saved. Others warn five years ago. The reactions at a glance.

Only a few minutes the victory of Emmanuel Macron was old, as already congratulations from Germany came. His success was a victory for a united Europe, the government spokesman Steffen Seibert twittered. Two hours later Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) telephoned with the 39-year-old. '

"The Chancellor is looking forward to working with the new president in a spirit of traditionally close Franco-German friendship," Seibert said. The relief is great that the Chancellor is spared a collaboration with Marine Le Pen. And other 

heads of state and government also feel relieved that the pro-European left-wingers landed an unexpectedly wide margin in front of the right-wing candidate Le Pen. (Read the news blog for election night here.) "He has expressed hope, confidence," said Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen (CDU) on the Sunday 

evening in the political talkshow Anne Will in the first. The right-wing populist Le Pen, on the other hand, had always argued full hatred for Europe and had looked for scapegoats for abuses. Green politician Jürgen Trittin was less euphoric. The majority of the French voted against racism and protectionism, he said. But it must be frightened that more than a third of the voters had chosen the right-wing populist. The chairman of the conservative EPP Group in the European Parliament, Manfred Weber (CSU), expects the future French 

president to make his country fit for the future. "Now France has to catch up, must open up to the states in Europe," said Weber at the ZDF "Morgenmagazin". This was urgently needed after five years of stoppage under Socialist President François Hollande. Ifo chief Clemens Fuest said that if Macron succeeds in 

reforming the country, it will benefit all of Europe. Donald Trump spoke of a "great victory" on Twitter. The US President congratulated Macron on the short news service and wrote, "I am really looking forward to working with him." Trump had previously been sympathetic to Le Pen

His predecessor, Barack Obama, although no longer in the political office, made his preference clear before the vote. In a video, he said Macron was focused on people's hopes, not their fears. Congratulations from France also came: the 

outgoing President François Hollande congratulated Emmanuel Macron on his election success - and wished him all the best. In August 2014, Hollande had brought the largely unknown politician into his cabinet - not even three years later, Macron replaces his ex-boss. "Bringing Partnership to a Higher Level" On the night of Monday, Macron was repeatedly reminded of the international 

responsibility he holds as President of France. As permanent members of the World Security Council, both countries would have to stand up especially for peace and development in the world, said China President Xi Jinping, according to the state news agency Xinhua. China is ready to bring the "comprehensive strategic partnership" together with France to a higher level. Israeli Prime 

Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent Macron a message of congratulations. "One of the biggest threats in the world today is the radical Islamic terror that has haunted Paris, Jerusalem and so many other cities in the world," said Netanyahu. "France and Israel are long-standing allies, and I am sure that we will deepen our relations."