Victory of Anti-Right Movement

Emanuel Macron, a Pro-European Union centrist affiliating with no traditional political parties, won the tie-breaking vote of French Presidential election on Sunday, defeating ultra-right candidate with Front National, Marine Le Pen. With a great margin between the two candidates, France chose the course staying E.U., not giving in nationalistic populism seen in United Kingdom. However, the French public was so divided that new President cannot easily handle political issues to resume people’s integration.

Macron gained 66% of all votes, mostly doubling Le Pen’s 34%. But, low turnout of voters, 74%, showed sober attitude of voters in choosing their President, embracing no compassion with any candidates. As a former Minister for Economy, Macron appealed economic reform including extension of working hours or deregulation for dismissal of workers, the policies which attracted employers around Paris. It is fair to say that Macron did not obtain overwhelming public support, but collected critical votes against anti-E.U. Le Pen.

It was the first case for French Fifth Republic established by Charles De Gaulle in 1958 to have President affiliated to no traditional right or left party. Insisting on not being right or left in his campaign, Macron accumulated negative votes against the advance of ultra-nationalism represented by Le Pen. Abstention and blank ballot amounted to 30% of all eligible voters, proving apathetic sentiment of the people.

The greatest problem for President Macron will be how to fix the deep rift among the people. Although both Socialists and Republicans supported Macron in the election, Le Pen added three million of votes to her achievement in the first vote. It is still unclear how Macron can satisfy the nationalists through the policies in employment or immigration management.

The leaders of E.U. must be comfortable with the result. Following Presidential election in Austria and Parliamentary election in Netherland, pro-E.U. power made a victory in France, putting a period of European movement for upholding ultra-right leader. Frustration against E.U. still remains. It is unclear how Macron can implement his campaign policy such as establishing a post for Minister of Finance in Euro zone or Central Command for overseeing military operation.

Far from European confusion, Japan welcomed the victory of the French centrist. Tokyo Stock Market rallied, marking the highest price in Nikkei Average of ¥19,895 in these seventeen months. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent Macron his congratulation, recognizing it as a symbolic victory against protectionism. Abe requested their first meeting at Group of Seven leaders meeting in Italy later this month.