Tough job ahead as Macron seeks to unite France, lead Europe
Macron’s victory helps him lay claim to be Europe’s preeminent political leader, to bolster Europe’s defences and to renew his drive to overhaul France’s economy.
Berlin | French President Emmanuel Macron faces the enormous tasks of helping to spearhead Europe’s efforts to contain Russian aggression and to forge ahead with his reform agenda after he fended off a stiff challenge from far-right populist Marine Le Pen to secure a second five-year term.
According to the official count, Mr Macron secured a convincing 58.55 per cent of Sunday’s run-off vote against Ms Le Pen’s 41.45 per cent to become the first French president to win a second mandate in 20 years. Sunday was only Mr Macron’s second election contest.
