Emmanuel Macron’s re-election as French president on Sunday came down to anti-Right sentiment among voters, it has been suggested. The French President admitted many backed him in order to block opponent Marine Le Pen from winning.
Mr Macron secured just four out of 10 votes and now faces a battle to retain his majority in parliament. Following his electoral win, the French leader vowed to unite a polarised France. He told voters: “I know how much I owe to you, thank you.”
Telegraph readers have shared their opinion on the outcome of the election in the comments section and within our Community Facebook group. Some readers share their disappointment at the result, while others deem Mr Macron’s win the “least worst” option.
Read on to see what your fellow readers had to say.
‘It’s tragic Marine Le Pen didn’t win’
@Sophie Benhissen:
“It is absolutely tragic and disappointing that Marine Le Pen didn’t win. However, she did incredibly well and her support can only gain further traction over the next five years. Masochism and complete denial on behalf of those who voted for Emmanuel Macron. A case of Turkeys voting for Christmas.”
‘Every decision Macron takes is in the interests of France’
@Terence O’Neill:
“The reality is that all educated, intelligent people in France voted for Emmanuel Macron, whether they were slightly to the left or slightly to the right. He has no dogma. Every decision he takes is in the best interests of France and not a special group. By his great management of the economy, he is the first president to bring unemployment down since the oil crisis in 1973.
“Despite Le Pen’s claims, there is not a cost-of-living crisis. People have been shocked by the increase in petrol, but that is all. There has been negligible inflation in France for the last 20 years since the creation of the euro. So a sudden increase in the price of petrol comes as a big shock, but for the moment it hasn’t crept into general prices.
“Of course, people at the bottom of society are attracted to extreme candidates who threaten revolution, but they are a minority and their only way out is getting a job.
“Many people didn’t bother voting because they knew it was a one-horse race.”
‘It rankles that we are stuck with an enemy next door’
@MJMJ Thompsonopolis:
“The mainstream media got their result. Personally, it rankles that we are stuck with an enemy next door for another five years.
“The Prime Minister needs to start treating Emmanuel Macron for what he is – someone who despises this country. We need to make some hard calls about French misdemeanours and hold them responsible for their actions. Start looking out for this country first, Mr Johnson.”
