Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has joined European leaders in warmly congratulating Emmanuel Macron on his re-election as France's president.
Emmanuel Macron is the first leader in 20 years to be re-elected Photo: AFP/ Frederic Petry / Hans Lucas
The pro-European centrist prime minister clinched a decisive victory against Marine Le Pen from the far-right. He won by 58.55 percent to 41.45 percent, a greater margin than expected.
He is the first French leader for 20 years to win a re-election.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern congratulated Macron for winning a second term.
Ardern said she looks forward to continuing a strong and close friendship between France and New Zealand.
"I congratulate President Macron on his re-election and look forward to the continuation of a strong and close friendship between France and New Zealand.
"I have worked closely with President Macron on the Christchurch Call against online violent extremism, and this work will continue.
"Strengthening trade ties and the ongoing response to the invasion of Ukraine will be priorities in the bilateral relationship going forward."
European leaders also welcomed his victory, with many fearing a far-right candidate offering a series of anti-EU policies.
"Together we will move France and Europe forward," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
French President Emmanuel Macron. Photo: AFP
Ukraine's Volodymr Zelensky, who had called on French voters to back Macron, congratulated his "true friend" and said he looked forward to a strong and united Europe.
Chancellor Scholz of Germany said the French people have shown their strong commitment to Europe, and Boris Johnson congratulated Mr Macron, saying France is one of the UK's closest and most important allies.
Congratulations to @EmmanuelMacron on your re-election as President of France. France is one of our closest and most important allies. I look forward to continuing to work together on the issues which matter most to our two countries and to the world.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) April 24, 2022
Turnout was just under 72 percent, the lowest in a presidential run-off since 1969. Adding more than three million spoilt or blank votes, that accounted for more than one in three voters. Macron said his government would have to "answer their choice to refuse to choose".
- BBC
