Pro-EU centrist Emmanuel Macron became the first President of France from outside the two traditional main parties.
Pro-EU centrist Emmanuel Macron has stormed to victory in the French presidential election, roundly defeating his far-right rival Marine Le Pen in a run- off vote. The 39-year old former investment banker, who has never held elected office, became the youngest President and occupant of the Elysee Palace.
Macron will also becomes the first President from outside the two traditional main parties since the modern republic's foundation in 1958.
At a victory party outside the Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday, Macron said the country has sent an incredible message to itself, to Europe and the world, adding that he would "guarantee the unity of the nation and defend and protect Europe." Marine Le Pen, his far-right opponent in the Presidential runoff, quickly called Macron to concede her defeat after voters rejected her "French-first" nationalism by a large margin.
The French Interior Ministry said with 93% of the votes counted, Macron had about 19.3 million votes, while Ms Le Pen secured about 10.4 million.
Here is a selection of comments from world leaders and other political heavyweights on Macron's election victory on Sunday.
"Congratulations, @EmmanuelMacron. Your victory is a victory for a strong and united Europe and for French-German friendship," said Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman.
"The Prime Minister warmly congratulates President-elect Macron on his election success. France is one of our closest allies and we look forward to working with the new President on a wide range of shared priorities," said a Downing Street spokesman. Prime Minister Theresa May also discussed Brexit with Macron, saying "the UK wants a strong partnership with a secure and prosperous EU once we leave," the spokesman added.
"Happy that the French chose a European future," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker wrote on Twitter.
EU Council President Donald Tusk also offered his congratulations, saying the French had chosen "liberty, equality and fraternity" and "said no to the tyranny of fake news".
European Parliament President Antonio Tajani told AFP: "We have received a vote of confidence from France in the European Union."
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said "the victory of President-elect Macron is a symbolic victory against inward- looking and protectionist moves and shows a vote of confidence in the EU".
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he wanted to work together with Macron on a "progressive agenda" to "promote international security, increase collaboration in science and technology, and create good, middle-class jobs on both sides of the Atlantic".
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said he had congratulated Macron and had received a text back saying he was "looking forward to working together". Highlighting the cooperation between French and Australian soldiers during World War I, he added: "We have been side-by-side in freedom's cause for over a century, and we are side-by-side in freedom's cause in the Middle East today. So we have great work to do to make the ties between France and Australia stronger still."
Prime Minister Alexis Tspiras said Macron's victory was "an inspiration for France and for Europe", adding he was "sure we will work closely together."
"Congratulations to @EmmanuelMacron, new president of #France. Let us work in France and Spain for a stable, prosperous and more integrated Europe," Prime Minister of Spain Mariano Rajoy said in a tweet.
"I am delighted that a leader with a positive ambition for Europe has won this election," said Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny.
"There's lots of work ahead for all of us in Europe, in a challenging environment, not least on Brexit." New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English welcomed Macron's victory as "good for political stability", adding "it's a result I think a lot of people will see as making a clear path for France".
"This is a victory for the French people and for European cooperation. New opportunities will now open up for the proactive agenda needed to strengthen the EU, including more jobs and fair working conditions, a stronger climate policy and a functioning asylum system in which everyone takes responsibility," said Prime Minister of Sweden Stefan Lofven.
"I congratulate @EmmanuelMacron on his victory in the French presidential election. Brazil and France will continue to work together for democracy, human rights, development, integration and peace," tweeted President Michel Temer.
Defeated US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, who like Macron had her campaign hacked, tweeted: "Victory for Macron, for France, the EU, & the world. Defeat to those interfering w/democracy. (But the media says I can't talk about that).
US President Donald Trump also offered best wishes to the new French president. "Congratulations to Emmanuel Macron on his big win today as the next President of France. I look very much forward to working with him!" he wrote on Twitter.
Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, called for deeper ties between Canada and France. "Congratulations @EmmanuelMacron! Let's meet soon, and keep working to grow & strengthen the deep ties between Canada and France," he said on Twitter.
Leave EU official Twitter read, "The French rolled over in 1940. This time they've saved Germany the fuel and bullets."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted Macron for his "emphatic victory" in the French Presidential election, adding that he looks forward to working with the President-elect.
Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated Macron for winning France's presidential election and said China was willing to further ties between the two UN Security Council permanent members, China's Xinhua news agency reported. Xi said China was willing to work with France to push the close and comprehensive Sino-French strategic partnership to a higher level, according to Xinhua, China's official news agency.
(With agency inputs)
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