Le Pen concedes defeat in French presidential election with parting barb over Macron's 'brutal methods'

Emmanuel Macron will become the first French president in 20 years to win a second term after an official vote projection suggested he has seen off the challenge from Marine Le Pen.

The projected result from Ipsos saw Mr Macron get 58.2% of the votes compared with Ms Le Pen’s 41.8%.

Five years ago, Mr Macron won a sweeping victory to become France’s youngest president at 39.

The margin is expected to be way smaller this time: Polling agencies Opinionway, Harris and Ifop projected that Macron would win between 57% and 58.5% of the vote, with Ms Le Pen getting between 41.5% and 43%.

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Cheers erupted at the foot of the Eiffel Tower where supporters of the president celebrated his re-election.

Boos and whistles broke out at the campaign party of his challenger before she conceded defeat.

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“Tonight’s result is in itself an earth-shattering victory (for us),” she told her supporters.

“I fear that the five-year term that is about to begin will not break with the brutal methods of the previous one.

“In order to avoid the monopolisation of power by a few, more than ever I will pursue my commitment to France and the French people with the energy, perseverance and affection that you know me for.”

Sky’s Ali Fortescue described the mood in the Le Pen camp as “subdued” with many fearing this was her last chance to become president.

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European Council President Charles Michel, as well as the prime ministers of Belgium and Luxembourg, were among the first European leaders to congratulate Mr Macron.

“Bravo Emmanuel,” Mr Michel wrote on Twitter.

“In this turbulent period, we need a solid Europe and a France totally committed to a more sovereign and more strategic European Union.”

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “Congratulations to @EmmanuelMacron on your re-election as President of France.

“France is one of our closest and most important allies. I look forward to continuing to work together on the issues which matter most to our two countries and to the world.”

The pair emerged as the frontrunners after the first round of voting a fortnight ago, when the country was asked to choose between a field of 12 candidates.

Since then, they have spent two weeks campaigning on a range of topics, although a great deal of focus has been placed by both candidates on how France can best deal with the rising cost of living.

There has also been a significant focus on foreign affairs, immigration and on social cohesion.

Many of those who chose Mr Macron are believed to have done so to keep out Ms Le Pen.

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Controversial policies such as banning the Muslim headscarf in public and her ties to Russia were seen as major factors.

However, the far-right candidate’s support in France has grown during this campaign to her highest level ever – although it appears it might not have been enough.

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