Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen advance to second round of France's presidential election: How the world reacted

Centrist Emmanuel Macron and far-Right leader Marine Le Pen on Sunday emerged as the winners of a nail-biting first round presidential vote in France.

In a seismic shift in French politics, final voting figures from the interior ministry put Mr Macron, an independent pro-Europe centrist, top on 23.75 per cent, with Ms Le Pen, the far-Right Front National leader, just behind on just under 21.53 per cent.

The two finalists, who will face off in a second and final round on May 7, offer France two very different visions of Europe and the world, with Mr Macron billing himself as the progressive versus conservatives, and Ms Le Pen as the patriot versus the globalists.

Reaction to the results of the first round reflected the stark contrast between the two candidates' visions. 

Most of the defeated contenders instantly called on their supporters to vote for Mr Macron, with Mr Fillon, who placed thirdwith 19.91 per cent of the vote, warning that Ms Le Pen would lead France "to ruin and European chaos".

"Extremism can only bring misfortune and division to France," he said.

Similarly pro-Europeans sided with Mr Macron as Eurosceptics hailed Ms Le Pen's win, meanwhile some took time to warn us all of the recent populist upsets in the Brexit referendum and US election.

The result also ignited protests in Paris' Bastille square where several hundred young people rallied in an "anti-fascist demonstration." 

European Union

European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker congratulated the pro-EU Macron after projections showed him ahead in the first round and wished him "good luck" in the run-off.

"To see the flags of #France and the EU greet the result of @emmanuelmacron, it's the hope and future of our generation," tweeted EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, a former Italian foreign minister.

Michel Barnier, the European Commission's chief negotiator on Britain's withdrawal from the EU, hinted at concerns that Ms Le Pen could lead France away from the bloc.

"Patriot and European, I will put my trust in Emmanuel Macron on May 7. France must remain European," the Frenchman tweeted.

United Kingdom

Former Conservative finance minister George Osborne, recently appointed editor of London's Evening Standard newspaper, hailed a good result for the centre.

"Congratulations to my friend @EmmanuelMacron. Proof you can win from the centre. At last, the chance for the leadership that France needs," he tweeted.

Angus Robertson, deputy leader of the Scottish National Party, congratulated Mr Macron on Twitter.

"Congrats to the mainstream pro-EU victor of the 1st round of the French Presidential elections @EmmanuelMacron #Presidentielle2017."

Germany

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman wished Macron "all the best for the next two weeks".

"It's good that Emmanuel Macron was successful with his course for a strong EU and social market economy," Steffen Seibert said in a tweet.

Sigmar Gabriel, the German foreign minister, predicted that the 39-year-old Macron would be the next president of France.

"I'm sure he will sweep away the far-right, right-wing populism and the anti-Europeans in the second round," Social Democrat Gabriel said in a video posted on Twitter during a trip to Jordan's capital Amman.

Writing on Twitter, he added: "I'm glad that @EmmanuelMacron is leading the field. He was the only truly pro-European candidate."

Denmark

Lars Lokke Rasmussen, the Danish prime minister expressed cautious optimism that former banker Macron would emerge victorious over Le Pen.

"Congratulations @EmmanuelMacron. We should await the final election, but Europe needs an openminded and reform oriented France => Good luck!"

Norway

Norwegian foreign minister Borge Brende, whose country is not a member of the European Union, tweeted: "We need more not less cooperation in #Europe. Positive that @EmmanuelMacron is projected to win first round of #franceelections.

Eurosceptics

Geert Wilders, Dutch MP and leader of the anti-Islam anti-immigrant Freedom Party, swung behind Ms Le Pen, welcoming the result as a "bright day for patriots in France and elsewhere who want more national sovereignty and less EU and immigration.

"I have just sent her my sincere congratulations. Now on the way to a vigorous second round, I am hoping for a President Le Pen."

Nigel Farage, former Ukip leader, criticised the pro-Europe Union Mr Macron: "Macron speaking with EU flag behind him. Says it all," Mr Farage tweeted. "Macron speech was vacuous nonsense. Other than backing the status quo he says nothing."

Matteo Salvini, leader of Italian right wing party Northern League, said on Twitter: "The People raise their heads. Go Marine, it's time to break free from Bruxelles' cage!"

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