Chancellor Angela Merkel has congratulated Emmanuel Macron on his victory in France’s presidential elections. The choice of the French electorate is a clear confirmation of their support for Europe, she said. Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Sigmar Gabriel declared that this is a good day for France and a good day for Europe.
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Chancellor Angela Merkel called Emmanuel Macron by telephone to congratulate him on his election, and to look ahead to trusting cooperation. "The Chancellor is looking forward to working with the new French President on the basis of trust in the spirit of traditionally close Franco-German friendship," said federal government spokesperson Steffen Seibert.
The Chancellor praised Emmanuel Macron’s stance during the election campaign in which he made clear his support for a united and open European Union. The choice of French voters for their new President is thus also a clear confirmation of their support for Europe, said Steffen Seibert on behalf of Chancellor Angela Merkel.
The partnership with France "is, was and will continue to be a vital pillar of German policy", added government spokesperson Steffen Seibert at the government press conference. The German government will endeavour to ensure good cooperation with the French President and his future team.
Franco-German cooperation will be based on what was agreed by the 27 EU member states at the summit to mark the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Treaties of Rome at the end of March in Rome. "We want to see a safe Europe; we want to see a Europe that can protect its people; we want a socially equitable Europe; and we want an economically strong Europe," declared Steffen Seibert. "Those are the foundations of our work together within the European Union."
On Monday evening, Chancellor Angela Merkel will receive the outgoing French President François Hollande at the Federal Chancellery.
Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Sigmar Gabriel has also congratulated Emmanuel Macron, while calling on Germany to support the new President. "He has proven to us all that, by taking a clear stance and sending clear messages, it is possible to resist the enemies of Europe, the nationalists, the populists and those who are offering simple solutions. Europe is worth betting on!", said Sigmar Gabriel.
Federal Justice Minister Heiko Maas added his congratulations, and stressed that the French people have chosen liberty, equality and brotherhood, and a European future.
Federal Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble too was delighted to hear of Emmanuel Macron’s election, said the Federal Ministry of Finance spokesperson at the government press conference. There will be a great many common points of interest including of course strengthening the euro zone both economically and in terms of governance.