Tipsheet

Macron Addresses Supporters at the Louvre: "You Represent the Energy of the French People"

After Emmanuel Macron's overwhelming victory in Sunday's presidential election, he addressed a massive crowd of supporters outside the Louvre.

In contrast to his earlier understated victory speech, his remarks to supporters were (understandably) celebratory and passionately patriotic.

Of Le Pen voters, Macron said he understood their anger. The crowd booed loudly upon hearing Le Pen's name, but Macron stopped them.

Don't boo them....I will respect them, and I will do my utmost during the five years' time to make sure that there will be absolutely no reason whatsoever to vote for extremists.

He heaped praise and congratulations on his supporters, but acknowledged that the world was watching and expecting results.

Tonight the people of France gather together and what you represent - you represent fervor, enthusiasm, energy, the energy of the French people.

Tonight the world is looking at us. Europe and the world are waiting and are expecting us to defend freedom, protect those who are oppressed.

We have to ensure the safety of all the French people. That is a great task.

Macron stressed the "enormous" task before him and his party many times and the "audacity" it would take to meet the challenge. "We will have to look at aspects related to public life...give a place to each and everyone...to refound our Europe and ensure the safety of all the French people."