© AFP/Thomas COEX
Our colleagues from RTL spoke to Jean Asselborn and Xavier Bettel about the results of the French presidential election.
Emmanuel Macron won a second term in office on Sunday, garnering 58.6% of the vote against Marine Le Pen.
Luxembourg's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Jean Asselborn expressed his relief at the result: "Europe says thank you to France for not voting for Le Pen."
Minister Asselborn said that a Le Pen presidency would have fostered nationalism and false patriotism in Europe. He also outlined his hope that France's "vertical governance" will now become more participatory. Nevertheless, he also warned that 41% of votes for Le Pen is not to be underestimated. It will be President Macron's responsibility to reunite the country, Minister Asselborn concluded.
Prime Minister Xavier Bettel explained that Macron's victory is beneficial for Luxembourg, as he believes Le Pen to be no friend of the Grand Duchy: "Madame Le Pen would not have strengthened France's foreign relations. Over the last few years, I've learned what she really thinks of Luxembourg and our people. ... I can tell you, our country should be happy that we retain a neighbour willing to cooperate in constructive manner."
