Protests erupt in France following Macron’s election victory

Protests erupted in France following Emmanuel Macron’s election victory on Sunday night.

Mr Macron, 44, beat far-right rival Marine Le Pen to become only the fourth person in history to be re-elected as leader of France.

Having won 58.5 per cent of the vote, he vowed to be a president “for all” in a victory speech after exit polls forecast his win.

French 2022 Presidential Elections: Protests

However, violent demonstrations broke out across Paris and Lyon following the election outcome.

Riot police used batons and sprayed tear gas on demonstrators close to Notre Dame cathedral.

The tense clashes also saw protestors setting bins on fire in Rennes.

Gilet Jaunes – yellow vest – protestors were among those seen taking to the streets after the exit polls were announced on Sunday night.

Shocking footage on social media shows French police charging at protesters on Place de la République in Paris.

French Journalist Remy Buisine, who shared the video, said: “Incidents in République with several police charges towards the demonstrators. The tension is growing.”

Elsewhere, an investigation has been launched after two people were fatally shot by police in Pont Neuf, Paris.

Police opened fire on a car that was hurtling toward them, killing two people and severely wounding a third.

There was no return of fire from those inside the car and nobody inside is thought to have been armed.

There were no early clues pointing to a link with the presidential election, or any terrorist acts.

Following his victory, Macron said: "A majority of you have given me the chance to be president for the next five years.

"I know many of our people voted for me not because they support me but to stop the far right. I want to thank them too."

Boris Johnson tweeted: "Congratulations to Emmanuel Macron on your re-election. 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."

After Ms Le Pen conceded defeat, Mr Macron’s supporters celebrated in front of the Eiffel Tower, where crowds had gathered throughout the day.

He dominated votes in the capital Paris and other major cities, but Ms Le Pen won up to 70 per cent in rural areas, where her anti-immigration views are popular.

She was also the preferred candidate in former industrial areas of the north,and deprived southern areas around France’s second city, Marseille.

Ms Le Pen vowed to run again in five years’ time, warning: “It’s not over.”