The European Jewish Congress has congratulated Emmanuel Macron on his election as President of France, based on his taking around 65 percent of the vote according to exit polls in the second-round run off. Calling it "a victory against hate and extremism,” Dr. Moshe Kantor, President of the EJC, said. “This was a vote for France, for the European Union and for democratic values.”
"This election teaches us that we must remain vigilant in the defense of democracies from the extremists who seek to exploit the fears and insecurities of the people." Referring to runnerup Marine Le Pen, Dr. Kantor continued, "It is no coincidence that the same candidate who called upon the French electorate to forget the horrors of the past, sought to provide the roots for their repetition in the present. We thank the French people for rejecting this message." He warned, “We remain extremely concerned by the still large support for parties of the far right, not only in France but across Europe," and concluded, “We look forward to working with President-elect Macron on all issues of shared interest to France and the Jewish community.”