Pro-European centrist Emmanuel Macron, head of the political movement En Marche !, or Onwards !, today resoundingly won France's landmark presidential election, defeating far-right leader Marine Le Pen in a pivotal vote for the future of the divided country and Europe, AFP reported.
At 39, the former investment banker will be the country's youngest-ever leader and faces a huge challenge to heal a fractured and demoralised country.
"A new chapter in our long history begins tonight. I want it to be one of hope and renewed confidence," Macron told AFP in a call shortly after results were released.
Initial estimates showed Macron winning between 65 percent and 66.1 percent of the ballots -- a higher than expected score - and Le Pen scoring between 33.9 percent and 35 percent.
In a short statement, Le Pen said she had called Macron to wish him "success" in tackling the "huge challenges" he faced and announced that she would lead the National Front into June's parliamentary elections.

Source: WAM