French presidential election 2022: Macron wins second term by a smaller margin amid low turnout

People have spoken. French President Emmanuel Macron defeated far-right rival Marine Le Pen in a tense run-off on Sunday.

His victory makes Macron the first French president to win a second term in two decades, yet the far right has been closer than ever. The margins between the candidates, while sufficient to secure a comfortable victory, are narrower than in the 2017 polls.

According to the French Interior Ministry website, Macron received 58.5 percent, with 18.8 million votes, while Le Pen got 41.5 percent, with 13.3 million votes. In the 2017 polls, the two candidates came in at 66.1 percent with 20.7 million votes and 33.9 percent with 10.6 million votes.

Read also | French presidential election 2022: EU presidents and Italian Prime Minister congratulate Macron on his post-expectations re-election

Meanwhile, 6.35 percent of voters cast blank ballot papers in the elections, and did not vote for any of the candidates.

Social divisions out in the open

Needless to say, the results of the new elections indicate a divided France. Even as Macron managed to prevent a political earthquake and his rival triumphed, the results speak to the dissatisfaction among the people.

Acknowledging this, the French president said he would seek to rectify the situation.

He said via Twitter, “To those who voted for me, not to support my ideas but to block the ideas of the far right, your vote obligates me. Tonight, I am no longer the candidate of one camp, but the president of all.”

For those who voted for me, not to support my ideas but to block the ideas of the far right, your vote obligates me. This evening, I am no longer the candidate of one camp, but the president of all.

– Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 24, 2022 x

As for Le Pen, this is her third defeat in the country’s presidential race, as she competed in 2012 and 2017. Undoubtedly, this will be a bitter pill to swallow, with all her attempts to soften her image, and to distance herself and the party from the legacy of the party’s founder, her father Jean-Marie. Le Pen.

Watch | What are the factors that led to low voter turnout in France?

Nevertheless, Le Pen hailed her results as a “remarkable victory” and promised to “continue” her political career, vowing that she would never abandon the French.

“The ideas we represent have reached new heights … This result in itself is a remarkable victory,” she told a crowd of supporters.

She joined other defeated rivals in the first phase of the election, and called for a new effort to derail Macron’s second term in parliamentary elections in June.

“Tonight we start a big battle for the legislative elections,” Le Pen said, expressing “hope” and encouraging the president’s opponents to join the National Rally.

Read also | Who is Emmanuel Macron? His life and political career in pictures

According to the Interior Ministry’s website, the election saw a turnout of just 71.9 percent, the lowest in any presidential run-off since 1969, according to an AFP report.

The results brought a sigh of relief to Europe, which feared that Le Pen’s presidency would leave the region for nothing after Brexit and German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s resignation from politics.

Phrases, congratulations dear President Emmanuel Macron. It has also sent your constituents a strong commitment to today’s Europe. I am glad that we will continue our good cooperation! pic.twitter.com/ZJQSc6OAz9

– Federal Chancellor Olaf Schultz (@Bundeskanzler) April 24, 2022 x

Warm congratulations dear Emmanuel Macron

In this turbulent period, we need a strong Europe and France fully committed to a more sovereign and strategic European Union.

We can count on #France #5 more years. pic.twitter.com/JEPf6Pqght

— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) April 24, 2022 ×

Dear Emmanuel Macron, Congratulations on your re-election as President of the Republic.

I look forward to the continuation of our excellent cooperation.

Together, we will move France and Europe forward.

– Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 24, 2022 ×

(with input from agencies)

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