Macron vows to 'fight the divisions' in France
In his first address after estimates indicated his victory in the French presidential elections on Sunday, pro-EU and centrist Emmanuel Macron said he would "fight the divisions" in the country.
39-year-old Macron stormed to victory, defeating his far-right rival Marine Le Pen in a run-off vote.
"I have heard the anger, anxiety and doubts that a large number of you expressed," Macron said in a speech at his campaign headquarters in Paris, AFP reported.
"I will fight with all my strength against the divisions that are undermining us," he added.
Set to be France's youngest-ever president, the former economy minister vowed to work to "rebuild the link between Europe and its citizens."
"A new page in our long history is opening this evening," the centrist independent said, adding his presidency would be one "of hope and confidence regained".
"France will be at the forefront of the fight against terrorism," he said.
Congratulations poured in from leaders around the world.
"I called Emmanuel Macron this evening to warmly congratulate him on his election to the presidency," outgoing French President Francois Hollande was quoted as saying in a statement.
US president Donald Trump took to Twitter saying he is looking forward to working with Macron.
Congratulations to Emmanuel Macron on his big win today as the next President of France. I look very much forward to working with him!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 7, 2017
British Prime Minister Theresa May said she looked forward to working with him on "a wide range of shared priorities".
I warmly congratulate @EmmanuelMacron on his success and look forward to working with him on a wide range of shared priorities.
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) May 7, 2017
German Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman said Macron's victory "is a victory for a strong and united Europe and for French-German friendship."
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said he was happy that France chose a "European future".
European Union Council President Donald Tusk also offered his congratulations and said that the French had chosen "liberty, equality and fraternity" and "said no to the tyranny of fake news".
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy called for a "stable" and "more integrated Europe".
"Congratulations to @EmmanuelMacron, new president of #France. Let us work in France and Spain for a stable, prosperous and more integrated Europe," Rajoy said in a tweet.
(WION with inputs from AFP)