this is bbc news, i'm reeta chakrabarti live in paris with a special programme on the french presidential election. emmanuel macron is hoping for a second five—year term in the elysee palace — promising to push on with the reforms which have sometimes proved unpopular. hi, sometimes proved unpopular. i'mjessica parker, 6 macron�*s hi, i'mjessica parker, and emmanuel macron�*s election night location at the foot of the eiffel tower where he hopes to be the first in years to win a second office. the challenger — marine le pen — is hoping her right—wing brand of eu—scepticism and anti—immigration policies will change the course of french politics. i'm nick beake at the le pen headquarters —

where her supporters are hoping france will elect its first female president and first far right president — and deliver a political shock that will be felt far and wide: voting is coming to an end — the first exit poll could indicate who's ahead — we'll bring you all the developments from an election which could change the direction of notjust france but the whole of europe. welcome to paris, where voters here and across the country are deciding on who will next lead them as president. are deciding on who will next the choice — between the pro—european incumbent emmanuel macron, and the far—right leader marine le pen — will determine the political priorities of france and its place in the world for the next five years. an exit poll — due to be published

injust under an hour and a half — should give a clear indication of who has won. turnout, which is at 63% so far is down a couple of points on the last election, an indication perhaps of the ambivalence many voters have felt at the choice being presented to them. with the latest — here's lucy williamson the candidates say this election is about democracy — even civilisation. many voters say they are being offered a choice between cholera and the plague. marine le pen's promised to slash immigration in taxes and banned the muslim headscarf and public, or emmanuel macron�*s plan to strengthen the european union and make the french work more. except many people here are not voting for a candidate, they are voting against one. i don't vote for marine le pen, i vote against macron — and it's a problem in this country

now that people, they don't want... it means they don't want marine le pen and they don't want macron, so what do we do? the friend of marine le pen may be a fascist, i don't know, but now i don't want macron. but there are plenty here today who are voting to block marine le pen. one woman told me it wasn't really a choice between cholera and the plague, but between cholera and the flu. for me, macron is like an opponent, political opponent, maybe, but he is not an enemy, whereas she is really, i think, she is outside, for me, outside democracy. if marine le pen becomes president, it will be a shame for me to be french. french politics used to be criticised as bland. not any more.

it's hard to imagine two more contrasting visions for the country — on europe, or nato, on immigration, the economy, french identity. whoever wins this election, it is unlikely to heal the divisions in france. some say in this selection it's impossible to pick a side. more than a quarter of voters are expected to abstain today. the first round, i did vote, because i was agreeing with some candidate that was having good ideas, but the second round i am not having this election, because it is not representing me, so that's why i am not voting. the stakes may be high in the selection, but whether on basketball courts or in polling stations, many french people today are not so much electing a president has rejected one. lucy williamson, bbc news, paris. nick beake is live at marine le pen's party headquarters and jessica parker is at macron hq.

nick, first of all, what are people saying to you, how are they feeling? it evening, yes, this place is a venue that is normally home to corporate events and glitzy weddings. it's a i9th—century tour hunting lodge that spin people have seen here that over the last week or so if you look at the polls, the gap between mad and the pen ——

marine le pen and emanuel macron, she would be the first far right president and we do something that herfather president and we do something that her father was president and we do something that herfather was not able president and we do something that her father was not able to do and she hasn't been able to do and help to previous events, the ramifications for the eu, nato and the wider world, france's place in the wider world, france's place in the world would be significant. this took us through a little bit how she has changed over the last four years, because a lot has been made of how she has softened her image, eased off on traditional policies and talked much more about ordinary everyday bread issues. this and talked much more about ordinary everyday bread issues.— everyday bread issues. this is ri . ht, everyday bread issues. this is right. she _ everyday bread issues. this is right, she has _ everyday bread issues. this is right, she has changed - everyday bread issues. this is right, she has changed her. everyday bread issues. this is - right, she has changed her image, the term detoxification is something up the term detoxification is something up tied to this, her father was 20 years ago chanced on the run—off,

only a fifth of that french people voted for him, and we saw people coming together to keep out the far right candidate, so what she's tried to do is present the softer image, a lot has been made of the fact that during lockdown she was breeding cats, she paints herself as an animal lover, she was soft and friendly, she says she will be a great mother of the nation, but you look closely, her detractors will point to this, a lot of the policies have not changed, so on immigration very tough, there would be a referendum there. so what would actually happen? she may not talk about bringing back capital punishment, the death penalty, any

more, but she wants muslim women to be banned from wearing a headscarf in public, and a number of issues she's... just talk to in public, and a number of issues she's. .. just talk to us in public, and a number of issues she's... just talk to us about whether there is a le pen victory tonight, whether there is a le pen victory toniuht, , . ., whether there is a le pen victory toniuht, , ., ., .., whether there is a le pen victory toniuht, , ., ., _, ., tonight, put that into context for us because _ tonight, put that into context for us because it _ tonight, put that into context for us because it would _ tonight, put that into context for us because it would be _ tonight, put that into context for us because it would be a - tonight, put that into context for us because it would be a seismici us because it would be a seismic shock, wouldn't it? it us because it would be a seismic shock, wouldn't it?— us because it would be a seismic shock, wouldn't it? it would be, at home if she _ shock, wouldn't it? it would be, at home if she brought _ shock, wouldn't it? it would be, at home if she brought in _ shock, wouldn't it? it would be, at home if she brought in a _ shock, wouldn't it? it would be, at home if she brought in a lot - shock, wouldn't it? it would be, at home if she brought in a lot of - shock, wouldn't it? it would be, at home if she brought in a lot of her| home if she brought in a lot of her domestic policy it would be be a big change, a lot of it is not costed and funded, it would have impacts on the economy. she doesn't say now that france should be taken out of the single currency, the euro, but basically she wants replace the european union, death by a thousand

cuts, she says if you look at french law that is more important than european law, she would want to stop payments to brussels on a lot of things, that is incompatible for being a member of the eu club, you simply cannot do that, and when it comes to nato, the western military alliance, she says she wants to pull french troops out of the military command, so they wouldn't take part in any nato operations. this is a crucial moment for europe, there was more in ukraine, as we know all too well, certainly in the past she has praised vladimir putin, she went to visit him in the kremlin five years ago, she took a loan from a russian bank, she says that's because french banks wouldn't give her any cash to fund her political party, so on so many different levels, deep unease in brussels and washington, marine le pen has been saying to her supporters, forget all that, its transfers, we need a fresh start, and if france is to be the great country she wants it to be, she

argues, they need to do something radical that they've never done before and need to do something radical that they've never done before any selector. {lila radical that they've never done before any selector.— radical that they've never done before any selector. 0k, thank you very much — before any selector. ok, thank you very much of— before any selector. 0k, thank you very much of the _ before any selector. 0k, thank you very much of the time _ before any selector. 0k, thank you very much of the time being. - before any selector. 0k, thank you very much of the time being. we . before any selector. 0k, thank you i very much of the time being. we will be back to you a little bit later in the programme. jessica parker, who is with the macron headquarters tonight, he has been ahead in the polls in the last couple of weeks stop are they confident of a victory? stop are they confident of a victo ? �* , , , victory? it's pretty mixed, actually. _ victory? it's pretty mixed, actually, i've _ victory? it's pretty mixed, actually, i've chatted - victory? it's pretty mixed, actually, i've chatted to i victory? it's pretty mixed, actually, i've chatted to al victory? it's pretty mixed, . actually, i've chatted to a few people here this evening, emmanuel macron supported another people here who are just interested in politics, and one and i spoke to feeling pretty confident. he felt that macron could get it over the line this evening, but woman i spoke to pretty nervous this evening, and i feel there is a slight sense of nervousness, emmanuel macron accused of getting off to a slow start during this campaign, we had that live tv debate with marine le pen

where he really tried to pick marine le pen apart on some of the issues that nick wasjust le pen apart on some of the issues that nick was just talking about, so, for example, raising marine le pen's ties with russia and the russian bank loan, really trying to press that issue on live tv, and trying to really pick apart her policies aimed at helping young people by taking them out of income tax, cutting vat, but emmanuel macron�*s team says that the polities may sound very appealing, but they believe economically illiterate. emanuel macron has been something of a person that's been trying to reform the french economy, and in some ways that have proved unpopular, and his desire to raise the retirement age has been an issue in this campaign that he has really had to defend, as well, so the various issues the two have been tackling over the past few weeks, but in terms of the mood here this evening, some confidence, but the police nervousness, as well. i just

police nervousness, as well. i 'ust a question — police nervousness, as well. i 'ust a question about i police nervousness, as well. i 'ust a question about his i police nervousness, as well. i 'ust a question about his style, h police nervousness, as well. ijust a question about his style, because he has been attacked for being arrogant, for being aloof, elitist, for being out of touch, and that will be something he will the had to try to combat during this campaign, and has to be said he made a pretty late entry into the campaign.- late entry into the campaign. yeah, i mean there _ late entry into the campaign. yeah, i mean there are _ late entry into the campaign. yeah, i mean there are a _ late entry into the campaign. yeah, i mean there are a lot _ late entry into the campaign. yeah, i mean there are a lot of— i mean there are a lot of accusations are sometimes thrown at emmanuel macron�*s style, one is that he has a slight sense of theatre, and it is interesting that he has chosen this location here this evening, the foot of the eiffel tower, a pretty dramatic location to addresses supporters later, and once resulted in, but he has also been accused of being aloof and out of touch, and i think what we really panned very successfully, it seems, in the initial phase of the campaign is by talking a lot about cost of living, energy prices, food prices, it is issues that mattered with

voters, and she accused emanuel macron of having essentially ignored, not having enough of lower middle income families, so he's had to fight against that recently, we talked for example about the price cap, he talked about the energy checks have been sent to many households across france to try and help them with their bills, as well, but certainly there are people, and i spoken to them, we've been covering the selection for obviously quite a few weeks now, and speak it's about who do not like him personally, do not like his style, do find him aloof, do think he's a little bit elitist, don't think he has the best interests at heart, and i think that is something that emanuel macron has tried to tackle, whether he's been successful may be will be at a recent incident this we get later this evening we get results shortly, but stylistically, certainly, a lot of people have a slight problem with the way he operates, but i supporters are saying he's trying to make france, the centre of the world stage, he is

seen as key a year leader, particularly following the departure of angela merkel, the german chancellor, and why he didn't get stuck into the campaign soon he was busy with dealing with nato and european union to tackle russian aggression. european union to tackle russian aggression-— aggression. many thanks, jessica there, at aggression. many thanks, jessica there. at the _ aggression. many thanks, jessica there, at the macron _ aggression. many thanks, jessica i there, at the macron headquarters. we are waiting for the exit poll, which usually gives a very accurate prediction of the result, and that will be coming out in 15 minutes' time. in the meantime i am joined by with joined by alexandre kouchner, a political analyst here and nacira guenif, professor of sociology and anthropology at the university paris 8 — vincennes, saint—denis

we had to turn out at 5pm, two percentage points down on last time, what you read into that? i percentage points down on last time, what you read into that?— what you read into that? i think the questionnaire _ what you read into that? i think the questionnaire asking _ what you read into that? i think the questionnaire asking themselves i what you read into that? i think the questionnaire asking themselves in| questionnaire asking themselves in the high court as he did not turn out? the question is, who did not come out, was at the melenchon voters who would support my 0micron simply because they hate marine le pen? melenchon was the runner—up came third, of the radical left. melenchon was the runner-up came third, of the radical left.— third, of the radical left. exactly, he was very _ third, of the radical left. exactly, he was very close, _ third, of the radical left. exactly, he was very close, was _ third, of the radical left. exactly, he was very close, was around i third, of the radical left. exactly, i he was very close, was around 22.9, and the key voters are his voters, who will they vote for? and when there were asked, they were pretty much an equal footing, 37% said they wouldn't vote, and then 33 would vote macron and 29 for le pen. you see how thin that the margins are.

if the polls are correct, and we haven't got long to wait now, but if they are correct there have been predicting victory for emmanuel macron, around six or eight percentage points. that would mean that marine le pen are probably polls around 42% or so, what does that mean about france? that polls around 4296 or so, what does that mean about france? that means the “ob that mean about france? that means the job started _ that mean about france? that means the job started by _ that mean about france? that means the job started by her _ that mean about france? that means the job started by her father- that mean about france? that means the job started by her father in - the job started by her father in 1984— the job started by her father in 1984 has— the job started by her father in 1984 has been completed, which means that however she fashions herself, as someone who is smoother than her father, _ as someone who is smoother than her father, she _ as someone who is smoother than her father, she is— as someone who is smoother than her father, she is the leader of the fascist— father, she is the leader of the fascist far— father, she is the leader of the fascist far right, just as her father— fascist far right, just as her father was. fascist far right, just as her fatherwas. i'm fascist far right, just as her father was. i'm sorry to say that, but it_ father was. i'm sorry to say that, but it is_ father was. i'm sorry to say that, but it is about fascism now, not 'ust but it is about fascism now, not just the — but it is about fascism now, not just the far— but it is about fascism now, not just the far right.— just the far right. spell out why ou sa just the far right. spell out why you say that- — just the far right. spell out why you say that. it _ just the far right. spell out why you say that. it is _ just the far right. spell out why you say that. it is more - just the far right. spell out why i you say that. it is more convenient for france — you say that. it is more convenient for france to _ you say that. it is more convenient for france to say _ you say that. it is more convenient for france to say that _ you say that. it is more convenient for france to say that it _ you say that. it is more convenient for france to say that it is - you say that. it is more convenient for france to say that it is a - you say that. it is more convenient for france to say that it is a far - for france to say that it is a far right— for france to say that it is a far right that — for france to say that it is a far right that is _ for france to say that it is a far right that is powerful but let's not forget _ right that is powerful but let's not forget that this is rooted in the

fascist— forget that this is rooted in the fascist trend, the fascist experience and history of france. her father— experience and history of france. her father embodied that for years and decades, he was part of the algerian— and decades, he was part of the algerian war, he was in favour of torture. — algerian war, he was in favour of torture. he — algerian war, he was in favour of torture, he fashioned himself as someone — torture, he fashioned himself as someone who was a patriarch —— someone — someone who was a patriarch —— someone who was a patriarch —— someone who was a patriot but he was in favour— someone who was a patriot but he was in favour of— someone who was a patriot but he was in favour of the return of the authoritarian state and this type of role that _ authoritarian state and this type of role that may be difficult for minorities, for foreigners and also for poor— minorities, for foreigners and also for poor people, unlike what she says _ for poor people, unlike what she says this— for poor people, unlike what she says. this is how she has fashioned herself, _ says. this is how she has fashioned herself, as — says. this is how she has fashioned herself, as being on the side of the poor people, of the ones who lost in the face _ poor people, of the ones who lost in the face of— poor people, of the ones who lost in the face of globalisation, but let's not get _ the face of globalisation, but let's not get carried away by the way she fashions— not get carried away by the way she fashions herself, she is the far right, — fashions herself, she is the far right, she _ fashions herself, she is the far right, she is the fascist face of today's— right, she is the fascist face of today's france, and she has managed today's france, and she has managed to bring _ today's france, and she has managed to bring all— today's france, and she has managed to bring all the other right wing

and even — to bring all the other right wing and even centrist to herself and to her views — and even centrist to herself and to her views. they have to do without, and even _ her views. they have to do without, and even macron has to deal with that _ and even macron has to deal with that. often times, he was quite successful— that. often times, he was quite successful in tipping into what she is standing for. is successful in tipping into what she is standing for.— is standing for. is that fair, to call marine — is standing for. is that fair, to call marine le _ is standing for. is that fair, to call marine le pen _ is standing for. is that fair, to call marine le pen a - is standing for. is that fair, to call marine le pen a fascist? | is standing for. is that fair, to i call marine le pen a fascist? is that fair to say that she's in the same mould as herfather? herfather was a holocaust denier, he had prosecutions for hate speech, she hasn't. ,, ., , �* , hasn't. she hasn't, i disagree 'ust on the fact— hasn't. she hasn't, i disagree 'ust on the fact that it i hasn't. she hasn't, i disagree 'ust on the fact that it might �* hasn't. she hasn't, i disagree 'ust on the fact that it might not h hasn't. she hasn't, i disagreejust on the fact that it might not be i hasn't. she hasn't, i disagreejustl on the fact that it might not be her father's doing. ever since she took the party from herfather, ousting herfather, she the party from herfather, ousting her father, she was one who started that trains. what were seeing tonight as the apex of the strategies described, which is the de—demonisation strategy, because since it was installed, the national front as it was first called, was exactly what you described, and her

father is a holocaust denier, he has absolutely made no apologies for his wrong doings in the algerian war. when she ousted him, she started this journey of trying to appear more poise, to appear more normal, and in a sense, what is seen tonight is the result and a vindication of that strategy. issue you fascist? she certainly is an a nationalist. is she a king to orban? in hungary, very much so. is her programmes to the same as last time, very much so. but the way she fashions it has completely changed. you said, she returned to britain button issues, not race and immigration. calling her fascist probably works in her sense, because she can say that now anyone who thinks outside the box as usually described as a fascist. she is an authoritarian, she has an

anti—eu leader. she is still for the rule of law. the question is, who does this rule of law serve? in her view, it is the french people first, it is state—sponsored xenophobia. but as we see tonight, either the french don't care any more or she has been astute enough to sweep that under the rug so that the french people will care more about the rising cost of inflation rather than banning headscarves in the street. and yet the rising cost of living is an actual material issue for people here in the france, the uk, european countries. why are you so sceptical that this is a genuine wine campaign on her part? i that this is a genuine wine campaign on her part?— on her part? i think she is being strateuic on her part? i think she is being strategic but — on her part? i think she is being strategic but she _ on her part? i think she is being strategic but she doesn't - on her part? i think she is being strategic but she doesn't reallyl strategic but she doesn't really care about what she says. when you look care about what she says. when you took at _ care about what she says. when you took at the _ care about what she says. when you look at the debate, when she brought back all— look at the debate, when she brought back all the _ look at the debate, when she brought back all the old topics that made a virtue _ back all the old topics that made a virtue of— back all the old topics that made a virtue of the far right... she back all the old topics that made a virtue of the far right. . ._ virtue of the far right... she does talk about —

virtue of the far right... she does talk about the _ virtue of the far right... she does talk about the cost _ virtue of the far right... she does talk about the cost of _ virtue of the far right... she does talk about the cost of living, - talk about the cost of living, though. talk about the cost of living, thou . h. ,, talk about the cost of living, thou~h. ,, ~ ., , , ., talk about the cost of living, thou~h. ,, ~' ., ,, ., ., though. she knows she has to draw in --eole though. she knows she has to draw in eo - le that though. she knows she has to draw in people that used _ though. she knows she has to draw in people that used to _ though. she knows she has to draw in people that used to vote _ though. she knows she has to draw in people that used to vote for - people that used to vote for left—wing parties, even for melenchon this time. she wants to appeal— melenchon this time. she wants to appeal to _ melenchon this time. she wants to appeal to them at but it doesn't mean _ appeal to them at but it doesn't mean that it genuinely she is not racist _ mean that it genuinely she is not racist or— mean that it genuinely she is not racist or at— mean that it genuinely she is not racist or at least she appeals to the racist — racist or at least she appeals to the racist vote and she is genuinely against _ the racist vote and she is genuinely against the — the racist vote and she is genuinely against the presence of islam in france — against the presence of islam in france. she is genuinely against the multicultural france that has come as a society, and she is the face of the white — as a society, and she is the face of the white french nationalist, this is how— the white french nationalist, this is how she — the white french nationalist, this is how she appears to people. she doesn't _ is how she appears to people. she doesn't have to say that this is who she is, _ doesn't have to say that this is who she is, she — doesn't have to say that this is who she is, she knows that people will recognise — she is, she knows that people will recognise in her this old, white, french— recognise in her this old, white, french society and power that they lon- french society and power that they long for. _ french society and power that they long for, that they think has disappeared and been replaced as we know it _ disappeared and been replaced as we know it. �* , �* ., ~ disappeared and been replaced as we know it. �* , �* ., ,, ., disappeared and been replaced as we knowit. �* , �* ., ~ ., ., know it. because we're talking a lot about marine _ know it. because we're talking a lot about marine le _ know it. because we're talking a lot about marine le pen, _ know it. because we're talking a lot about marine le pen, but— know it. because we're talking a lot

about marine le pen, but polls - about marine le pen, but polls suggest it is emmanuel macron that will win, we don't know yet, though it does win, it will be quite an achievement?— it does win, it will be quite an achievement? ,, ., ., , , , achievement? quite at only president with a majority _ achievement? quite at only president with a majority in _ achievement? quite at only president with a majority in parliament - achievement? quite at only president with a majority in parliament to - with a majority in parliament to ever be re—elected was in 1965. ever since, no—one has done so. and we had two presence of a re—elected, jacques chirac in france or mitterrand, but at the time of the re—election, they didn't have a majority in parliament, so they could say, it's my government, i will do better by myself. so it is quite the feat, but what is also happens is, we have discussed about marine le pen and how successful her strategy has been, he has done in the polls quite well. he has added votes from his first term, which is quite the feat when you are the incumbent. and he has also managed to do something which is a very interesting in terms of political debates — the sitting president, he has a record, and get during the debate,

he kept going back to her records come up to what she voted for, what it would actually mean for people if she were in power. so what you had was the two challengers face—to—face. that's really interesting, and should he be re—elected tonight, that would be quite the feat, yet it would not be a complete victory. let's not forget that, in six weeks' time, french people go back to be polls for the parliamentary elections, and this is where the tip of power will be decided. ., ~ where the tip of power will be decided. ., ,, , ., ,, . decided. thank you. stay there, much more to discuss _ decided. thank you. stay there, much more to discuss and _ decided. thank you. stay there, much more to discuss and when _ decided. thank you. stay there, much more to discuss and when that - decided. thank you. stay there, much more to discuss and when that exit i more to discuss and when that exit poll comes out in few minutes' time, will be poring over it. it is election night and i want to show you some quick pictures from an area where counting has begun in this town. the polls close at different times in france, in the big cities it is 8pm at local time but in the smaller towns,

it is 8pm at local time but in the smallertowns, it it is 8pm at local time but in the smaller towns, it is 7pm. so you can see that counting has started. so, let's leave there and go to our correspondence anna won again in an area of northern france that are seen as a stronghold of support for marine le pen. this is marine le pen heartland, former mining community, used to be socialist, switch to far right, this group of marine le pen supporters have just walked in clutching a cockerel. abuse of the types of people feel they are unhurried, the voices aren't being listened to by mainstream politicians. let me tell you what they have been telling me, they can't afford to put petrol in their cars any more, to put food on their cars any more, to put food on the table, they can't their kids to their hobbies. if they believe marine le pen has the answers but not to just promise to raise marine le pen has the answers but not tojust promise to raise minimum wage, to cut retirement age, so

that's where they are placing their faith tonight. they have been counting down, and one photo told me earlier the time for changes now and if not now, then never. studio: hello, anna, you were discovering what people were saying to you, our people quite confident? people are confident. want to show you around this bar, just to give you around this bar, just to give you around this bar, just to give you a flavour of the types of people here, because this is almost a microcosm of french society, where been speaking to people on here who voting for emmanuel macron because they believe he deserves a second chance, he didn't get a fair on the first arose because he had to do with covid, with war in europe, so therefore they think he is the stable option. but a lot of other people who believe he actually had a

chance and they are prepared to take a leap of faith, leap into the unknown, and that is concerning a lot of other people here who believe she is still very much extreme right. we spoke to two france earlier here who are enjoying a glass of wine, one of them are retired schoolteacher who said she couldn't vote for an extreme right candidate even though she felt as though emmanuel macron had failed her, had been the president of the elite, hadn't represented the concerns of the normal types of people here in marine le pen's heartland. to they had fingers crossed, whether they believe she can win or not, they realise, they see the figures, she is closer than she however has been to taking power here, so there absolutely believe now is her chance. although we know the polls are still against her. they are all gathered here to watch the countdown. it is they are all gathered here to watch the countdown.—

the countdown. it is not very long now, the countdown. it is not very long now. about _ the countdown. it is not very long now, about three _ the countdown. it is not very long now, about three minutes. - the countdown. it is not very long now, about three minutes. will. the countdown. it is not very long | now, about three minutes. will be back to you soon, anna. in the meantime, just before that exit poll comes out, i am joined by a french mp from the party that translates as rebellious or untamed france. the game is more than 20% in the first round of the election, led byjohn melenchon, the question is, who will your supporters vote for? what do your supporters vote for? what do you want to see happen? i your supporters vote for? what do you want to see happen?- your supporters vote for? what do you want to see happen? i want to see marine — you want to see happen? i want to see marine le — you want to see happen? i want to see marine le pen _ you want to see happen? i want to see marine le pen defeated, - you want to see happen? i want to see marine le pen defeated, is i you want to see happen? i want to l see marine le pen defeated, is what we said, no votes should go to marine le pen. then we need to get together and go back on the campaign trail, because the third round of the election will happen injune for us, and after we made sure that marine le pen it doesn't take the country, we don't want macron to hold power, so we are fighting to

get her majority at the legislative election. 50 get her ma'ority at the legislative election. ., .., election. so that careful formulation _ election. so that careful formulation of - election. so that careful formulation of words i election. so that careful i formulation of words come election. so that careful - formulation of words come you election. so that careful _ formulation of words come you don't want marine le pen to win, but did not say to people, throw your weight behind emmanuel macron.— behind emmanuel macron. because eo - le behind emmanuel macron. because people won't _ behind emmanuel macron. because people won't listen _ behind emmanuel macron. because people won't listen to _ behind emmanuel macron. because people won't listen to such - behind emmanuel macron. because people won't listen to such a - people won't listen to such a demand. i think there was a lot of anger against macron and legitimately. the old ways don't apply any more, because we used to say that you need party leaders to tell people how they should vote on the second round, because it doesn't work any more. the consultation, people supported john melenchon, and we had three choices, either macron, a blank vote or abstention. it was literally distributed between those three choices. i am confident anyway that the majority, the biggest number of people voted for melenchon

didn't vote for marine le pen, because we can paint on the issues and a programme which is the antithesis of what marine le pen stands for. and now we need to get together and keep the fight going for the next weeks. bind together and keep the fight going for the next weeks.— together and keep the fight going for the next weeks. and yet you must have had this — for the next weeks. and yet you must have had this conversation _ for the next weeks. and yet you must have had this conversation five - have had this conversation five years ago. i am very aware there is less than a minute to the exit poll but still want an answer from you, this is the second time that the letters not been represented on the run off. but letters not been represented on the run off. �* , , run off. but it is the first time in a very long _ run off. but it is the first time in a very longtime _ run off. but it is the first time in a very long time that _ run off. but it is the first time in a very long time that we - run off. but it is the first time in a very long time that we get - run off. but it is the first time in l a very long time that we get such run off. but it is the first time in i a very long time that we get such a result. 22% of the electorate. we are the third political party in this country and i think we will be, the future is ahead of us because of what we managed to do. it is not like five years ago, no—one knew what macron was about, and now we

know and i think that, with the 22% that we gained, we can change a lot of things, especially nextjune. brute of things, especially next june. we are of things, especially nextjune. we are watching a french tv via the exit poll is about to be published, and there we have it, it has emmanuel macron on 58.2%, marine le pen on 41.8%. so, that puts — who's good at maths? that puts mr macron ahead by 16 percentage points, a comfortable victory. it isa it is a smaller victory than last time, and we still have to see how this gives us on the balance of power. this gives us on the balance of ower. ., , . ~ ~ power. he was elected with 6696 five ears power. he was elected with 66% five ears a . o. power. he was elected with 66% five years ago- he _ power. he was elected with 66% five years ago- he is— power. he was elected with 66% five years ago. he is now _ power. he was elected with 6696 five years ago. he is now 5896, _ power. he was elected with 6696 five years ago. he is now 5896, with - power. he was elected with 6696 five years ago. he is now 5896, with a - years ago. he is now 58%, with a rather high turnout, i'm sure they

are very relieved, but as she was saying, even for emanuel macron, the hard part starts now. winning this presidential election might not have been the hardest part, as she was calling it, the parliamentary elections are the third round. this is in six weeks, and emanuel macron faces a tougher opposition on the left, very tough opposition in the extreme right. the question is, can this sort of vote turn into a vote of coherence so that emanuel macron gets what he needs for his agenda? that is the tricky part. wait for this evening's speech, saying rally around me, the work is not over. steiler, i want to go tojessica parker, who is at the headquarters

of the macron campaign. just, people celebrating? of the macron campaign. just, people celebratin: ? , of the macron campaign. just, people celebratina? , , ., . celebrating? yes, the pro'ect onto the big h celebrating? yes, the pro'ect onto the big screen here, _ celebrating? yes, the project onto the big screen here, there - celebrating? yes, the project onto the big screen here, there was - celebrating? yes, the project onto the big screen here, there was a l the big screen here, there was a very loud cheer, flags being waved by macron supporters, and it's the trenchant eu flags here, mirroring the plan has historically been against the european union, has possibly softened her approach, but macron has been talking about defence between the countries, for example, so this will be looked so very closely, notjust in france and brussels but for the whole of the eu and beyond, and macron's

pre—eminence has grown, so a victory for him tonight will be greeted by a relief for many, in brussels, certainly, for those who are eurosceptics will be disappointed by the results. just eurosceptics will be disappointed by the results. , , ., the results. just we were hearing 'ust a the results. just we were hearing just a little _ the results. just we were hearing just a little bit _ the results. just we were hearing just a little bit earlier _ the results. just we were hearing just a little bit earlier that, - the results. just we were hearing just a little bit earlier that, ok, | just a little bit earlier that, ok, it's a decisive win for emmanuel macron, but he has won on less of a share of the vote than he did five years ago. share of the vote than he did five years ago-— share of the vote than he did five earsato. . , , years ago. certainly, so the result we decided _ years ago. certainly, so the result we decided on, _ years ago. certainly, so the result we decided on, of _ years ago. certainly, so the result we decided on, of 58.296 - years ago. certainly, so the result we decided on, of 58.296 and - years ago. certainly, so the result| we decided on, of 58.296 and more years ago. certainly, so the result i we decided on, of 58.296 and more in we decided on, of 58.2% and more in the pan's 41.2, but before he had 66% to her 30% or so, so it's a much tighter margin, and once marine le

pen has done really since she started running her presidential races 2012 has built up support, and this is her highest polling yet in the second round of the presidential vote, so for her supporters tonight, the lovely seibert as the person said, but people here will be delighted that emmanuel macron has one, and support has grown in the last decade for marine le pen, that is something that emmanuel macron and is those who support him well need to pay attention to, and he or she hasn't seen off the far right. thank you that's jessica parker, she hasn't seen off the far right. thank you that'sjessica parker, our correspondent, there, at the micron headquarters. the figures have been published, and exit poll has just been published, and it predicts a win for emmanuel macron, with over

58% of the vote. marine le pen is expected to have just over 41% of the vote, so those are the figures. they are projected figures, we did talk about these being the expected margins, but it has to be said that this exit poll has never in the past been wrong about the actual result. so, what we may get is a tweaking of the figures. let's go live now to our correspondent who is at marine le pen's headquarters, and there must be disappointment there. that is certainly the _ must be disappointment there. twat is certainly the case. i can tell you that boos rang out, and after those boos, there is muted applause, the disappointment here is clear,

there are people making their way outside, some people heading towards the bar, but you can see some people's faces, there a sense of disappointment and of shock. i think they look to the recent polls and realise they faced a very difficult task, but certainly those who are hoping they might upset history and deliver an earthquake here tonight, very, very disappointed indeed. whether or not people will stay around here and drown their sorrows, do interviews, all the rest of it, not quite clear, but certainly for now, very disappointing. fiiq now, very disappointing. 0k, nick, many thanks- _ now, very disappointing. 0k, nick, many thanks. that's _ now, very disappointing. 0k, nick, many thanks. that's our _ many thanks. that's our correspondent nick beake, who is reporting from marine le pen's headquarters live in paris, as you can see. well, that result again from viewers justjoining us can see. well, that result again from viewersjustjoining us is that emmanuel macron is expected to have gotjust emmanuel macron is expected to have got just over 58%

emmanuel macron is expected to have gotjust over 58% of the emmanuel macron is expected to have got just over 58% of the votes, emmanuel macron is expected to have gotjust over 58% of the votes, and marine le penjust over 41% gotjust over 58% of the votes, and marine le pen just over 41% of the vote. do you have it. these are projected figures, but as i was saying earlier, they never been wrong in their prediction. the figures might change very slightly, but the actual result has never been wrong in the past. happy to say that i'm joined now by a french academic and member of the national rally party disappointment for you tonight. party disappointment for you tonitht. , ., ., tonight. yes, we would have preferred — tonight. yes, we would have preferred to _ tonight. yes, we would have preferred to have _ tonight. yes, we would have preferred to have one, - tonight. yes, we would have preferred to have one, still, | tonight. yes, we would have i preferred to have one, still, the result isn't so bad, because you know i remember i was a campaign manager of herfather, know i remember i was a campaign manager of her father, sean marie

she got only 18% of the vote, last time marine le pen got 24% of the vote, this time, 17 points more, so it's not enough to win in this type of presidential election for the time being, at least, but can you say that in english, it is encouraging? yes, and you know, the main fundamentalfact for the main fundamental fact for the selection for the last 60 years, is mainly the socialist party and the gaullist liberal party, and both together they got 6% of the vote. that was in the first round. yes.

that was in the first round. yes, sir, it's that was in the first round. yes, sir. it's clear _ that was in the first round. yes, sir, it's clear now— that was in the first round. yes, sir, it's clear now that _ that was in the first round. yes, sir, it's clear now that there - that was in the first round. yes, sir, it's clear now that there are | sir, it's clear now that there are two main forces in french politics. on one side, those who favour globalism, mr macron, those who favour national identity and so far, marine le pen. you favour national identity and so far, marine le pen.— marine le pen. you will be very aware that _ marine le pen. you will be very aware that both _ marine le pen. you will be very aware that both the _ marine le pen. you will be very aware that both the saying - marine le pen. you will be very aware that both the saying this| marine le pen. you will be very i aware that both the saying this is like a choice between cholera and the plague. that marine le pen still and fear and a lot of people. this is not a place to be.— and fear and a lot of people. this is not a place to be. less and less. the propaganda — is not a place to be. less and less. the propaganda of _ is not a place to be. less and less. the propaganda of your _ is not a place to be. less and less. the propaganda of your previous . the propaganda of your previous guests... the propaganda of your previous tuests... ., ., ., j the propaganda of your previous tuests... ., ., . , ., guests... propaganda, why? why do ou sa guests... propaganda, why? why do you say that? _ guests... propaganda, why? why do you say that? not _ guests... propaganda, why? why do you say that? not even _ guests... propaganda, why? why do you say that? not even mr— guests... propaganda, why? why do i you say that? not even mr melenchon, the far left canada, _ you say that? not even mr melenchon, the far left canada, would _ you say that? not even mr melenchon, the far left canada, would say - you say that? not even mr melenchon, the far left canada, would say that - the far left canada, would say that she is a fascist or racist and so

on. nearly half of the people who voted for her. i think the socialists, by the way, in the end of the 19th century, beginning of 20th century, there were only two main parties, whigs and tories in britain, and the tories run the country, the other day the whigs, and then one day they succeeded, and the liberals... tonight you haven't succeeded. marine le pen has run on a platform thatis marine le pen has run on a platform that is discriminatory, hasn't she? no. , , . , that is discriminatory, hasn't she? no. , , ,, that is discriminatory, hasn't she? no. ,, ,, .,~ no. yes, she has. she has talked about preferential _ no. yes, she has. she has talked about preferential treatment - about preferential treatment for french people injobs, welfare, and

housing, against people living in france... , , ., ., france... yes, it is quite natural that the french _ france... yes, it is quite natural that the french be, _ france... yes, it is quite natural that the french be, receive - that the french be, receive preferential treatment in france, exactly as foreigners get the preferential treatment in their own country. preferential treatment in their own count . ., , preferential treatment in their own count ., , ., country. so, foreigners who live in france, country. so, foreigners who live in france. who _ country. so, foreigners who live in france. who pay — country. so, foreigners who live in france, who pay taxes, _ country. so, foreigners who live in france, who pay taxes, should - country. so, foreigners who live in france, who pay taxes, should be| france, who pay taxes, should be discriminated against, do you think thatis discriminated against, do you think that is right?— that is right? they will be discriminated, _ that is right? they will be discriminated, they - that is right? they will be discriminated, they will i that is right? they will be - discriminated, they will come after the french. if they disagree, they can get back to the country, there is no problem. can get back to the country, there is no problem-— can get back to the country, there is no problem. when you speak like that, people _ is no problem. when you speak like that, people think— is no problem. when you speak like that, people think that _ is no problem. when you speak like that, people think that our - is no problem. when you speak like that, people think that our son - that, people think that our son discriminatory.— that, people think that our son discriminatory. they are wrong. i was injapan. _ discriminatory. they are wrong. i was injapan. for— discriminatory. they are wrong. i was in japan, for example, - discriminatory. they are wrong. i was in japan, for example, i - discriminatory. they are wrong. i was in japan, for example, i did l discriminatory. they are wrong. i i was in japan, for example, i did not was injapan, for example, i did not enjoy the same rights that the japanese people, it was quite normal. i was an alien, i was a foreigner. i behaved correctly. would i have made some crime or even

misdemeanours, i would would i have made some crime or even misdemeanours, iwould have would i have made some crime or even misdemeanours, i would have been expeued misdemeanours, i would have been expelled from the country. that misdemeanours, i would have been expelled from the country.- expelled from the country. that is different from _ different from discriminating between law—abiding people who just happen not to be french nationals. if i go to algeria, for example, i wouldn't enjoy the same rights than the algerians. if i go to japan, if i go to china, if i go to the united states, as a foreigner, i would not enjoy the same rights than the national citizens. i’m enjoy the same rights than the national citizens.— national citizens. i'm sorry to jumping. _ national citizens. i'm sorry to jumping. the _ national citizens. i'm sorry to jumping, the leaders - national citizens. i'm sorry to jumping, the leaders waiting | national citizens. i'm sorry to i jumping, the leaders waiting to speak. she speaks in french.

applause she continues in french.

as we wait for a translator, madam macron has said she welcomes a resounding victory, suggesting that even though she has lost, the results, over 40% of the vote, has been a

form of victory for her. madame le pen is going on to say the result tonight represents a real rebirth of the policies of emmanuel macron. she is saying that this is also a rejection of some of his domestic policies such as raising the retirement age and the pension age. i madame le pen is going on by saying that emmanuel macron will do nothing to help repair the fractures that exist in french society.

cheering they chance: moeen, moeen! —— moeen, moeen! translation: , ., , moeen! translation: , ., moeen! translation: , translation: their efforts to combat the elites represented _ translation: their efforts to combat the elites represented by _ translation: their efforts to combat the elites represented by macron, - the elites represented by macron, and now, all is not lost because in and now, all is not lost because in a few weeks' time, we have the legislative elections coming up and with this legislative election process that reinforces the results, and at the moment, we may see emmanuel macron grab even more executive and legislative power, this is a very high risk. now, no

democrat and none of our fellow citizens should accept this. this is a destructive project for france, faced with those who want to try and continue the current process, we know what we will do. we well, with our sincerity and tights, continue to do our work. therefore this evening, we would like to launch the great battle for the legislative elections. i will carry out this battle alongside my colleagues and all of those who had the courage to stand up to emmanuel macron in the second round. iwill stand up to emmanuel macron in the second round. i will represent all of those who are dedicated to our nation. we will now work to bring together everyone, from all different parts of the country,

everyone who wants to gather together and work against emmanuel macron. in your constituency, in the metropolitan part of france, and in the overseas territories, we will continue this process. i would like to call upon you to come together and vote for those candidates. it's all left to play for at this stage, we must make sure that we retain hope. the historic score of this evening shows that our party is in an excellent position to make progress in thejune. we want you to put all of this effort to the service of our project and ambition, and i know you share our hopes for france. this evening, allow me to say once again, i will never abandon french people. long live the

republic, long live france. they chant: marine, marine! they can the french national anthem -- they sing the french national anthem. well, that is the defeated candidates, according to the projected result, marine le pen, with a bullish speech, saying that

effectively, despite her defeat, this is a form of victory, because of the proportion of the vote that she is projected to have gods, over 40%. she said that she will never abandon the french people and she said that emmanuel macron, the winner, can't repair france's fractured society. item extol gods bruno here, member of the national rally party, marine le pen's party. she is saying that among a crime can't repair france, neither can she, she is a divisive character, isn't she? she says that mr macron it can't repair france? she isn't she? she says that mr macron it can't repair france?— it can't repair france? she will

fitht the it can't repair france? she will fight the third _ it can't repair france? she will fight the third round, - it can't repair france? she will fight the third round, the - fight the third round, the legislative elections. it's not the presence of mr macron himself, there can be variousjudgments presence of mr macron himself, there can be various judgments about his personality, but i think it is the fact that he is completely indebted to globalism, to free trade, to giving up french sovereignty, that will rise to the european union that, in fact, will rise to the european union that, infact, has will rise to the european union that, in fact, has very little to do with two european coat traditions and identities. that's the main points, that we all, not only marine le pen, worrying about. we would have preferred to win, obviously,

but still, i think it's an important progress that she appears in the national rally now appears that the main opposition party to mr macron, getting 41% of the votes, which is very important, and in progress, seven points, compared to last time. a point she made very clearly. i'm being told were about to hear from jean—luc melenchon, the runner—up in the first round, is the candidate of the first round, is the candidate of the far left, and there he has come about to speak now. translation: about to speak now. tuna/mom- about to speak now. translation: ., , , ., translation: now the result is out and marine le _ translation: now the result is out and marine le pen _ translation: now the result is out and marine le pen has _ translation: now the result is out and marine le pen has been - translation: now the result is outj and marine le pen has been beaten, france rejected to bestow its future upon her, this is excellent news for the unity of our people. now mr

macron is the worst elected president of the fifth republic. he is survived by default. and he's now floating on an ocean of abstentions and blank votes. now i must think about the future victims of the situation, the people who live on benefits and work very hard. people who are extremely tired and need to retire five years later now. people who are in financial difficulty and won't be able to get out of it. people who know how much mr macron's

lack of environmental action is a crime. people who, sadly, look on as the country falls to ruin. to all of you, i must tell you, do not give up on the country, it's time to act. en masse, democracy can, once again, give us a way to change the situation. the third round begins tonight. on the 12th and the 19th of june, we will have the legislative elections. you can beat mr macron and choose another path. on the 12th and choose another path. on the 12th and 19th ofjune, another world is still possible, if you elect a majority of representatives of the new popular union. of the popular

block which was formed around my candidacy for the presidential elections is now the third option that can change everything, if we unite our efforts and we broaden them. on the 12th and 19th ofjune, i call upon you to collect me as the prime minister, and this will bring a new future to our people. be brave, take action, be determined and do not give up. longer france, long live the republic. 50. and do not give up. longer france, long live the republic.— and do not give up. longer france, long live the republic. so, that was

jean-luc melenchon, _ long live the republic. so, that was jean-luc melenchon, the _ long live the republic. so, that was jean-luc melenchon, the leader- long live the republic. so, that was jean-luc melenchon, the leader of| jean—luc melenchon, the leader of the radical left party, he was effectively the runner—up in the first round, which took place two weeks ago. i want to take your live now to marine le pen's party headquarters in paris and our correspondence is there. nick, she gave a rousing speech to her supporters saying, effectively, what they have done is a clutch of victory from the jaws of defeat. it is a referring to the fact that the projected figures for her party, for her, i over 40%, projected figures for her party, for her, i over40%, adding projected figures for her party, for her, i over 40%, adding seven percentage points to what she got five years ago. percentage points to what she got five years ago-— percentage points to what she got five years ago. that's right. of the atmosphere _ five years ago. that's right. of the atmosphere here _ five years ago. that's right. of the atmosphere here has _ five years ago. that's right. of the atmosphere here has picked - five years ago. that's right. of the atmosphere here has picked up i atmosphere here has picked up somewhat, some in tears during that speech as marine le pen took to stage behind me. i think the initial shock and disappointment in the minutes after the projection was made and it was a manual mccrum's

face and not marine le pen's put on the screen behind us. to set the fight is not yet over and she will remain a counterforce to emmanuel macron. there was more booing, you could hear it very loud in the room here, when she spoke about a dirty tricks campaign, having been fought by the macron campaign. to retire macron's name was mentioned, there were jeers macron's name was mentioned, there werejeers and macron's name was mentioned, there were jeers and boos macron's name was mentioned, there werejeers and boos here. but in terms of thanking people, she said the support of the french people, particularly in the countryside, as well as overseas, has been something that any power to this movement are in, and she looked ahead to the elections coming up, not presidential elections, but more elections to come, saying that the fight�*s not over and this is a historic achievement. he or she has lost, she is trying to portray it as a victory although she has conceded defeat to emmanuel macron tonight.

and when you say that she was claiming that the macron camp had fought a dirty campaign, what was she referring to? i fought a dirty campaign, what was she referring to?— she referring to? i think a number of thints, she referring to? i think a number of things, really, _ she referring to? i think a number of things, really, in _ she referring to? i think a number of things, really, in terms - she referring to? i think a number of things, really, in terms of- she referring to? i think a number of things, really, in terms of the i of things, really, in terms of the tv debates, which we know is really important in theirs, in which she did better than five years ago but certainly, people thought she didn't do enough to sway those voters who needed to join her do enough to sway those voters who needed tojoin her campaign if she were to become the president. it could be the way that macron dealt with her during that debate, her supporters were saying he was aloof and condescending, he interrupted her, he didn't get the respect she mirth edo is one of the two final candidates in this run off. in terms of whatever she meant, she might talk about that in the coming days and weeks. certainly, the campaign here, where they go from now, this is the third attempt he's had to

become french president, everyone knew this was the closest she was going to get, but in terms of translating the support that she finds when she goes to the heartlands, she goes to the communities where she's welcomed with open arms, they want do that, and you would imagine, in the days and you would imagine, in the days and weeks to come, there will be looking at what it was that voters didn't like. we know it wasn't that close in the end, some people talking about the brexit effect or the trump offence, that she could paper the margin between the two candidates. is at the fact that, if you look at her policies, despite the new images try to cultivate in the new images try to cultivate in the last few years, the softer image, a lot of the policies that remain are quite tough domestically. we know the proposed ban on some women wearing a headscarf in public alienated a lot of people. also the timing of this, she has been historically close to vladimir putin, she has praised the russian leader, went to visit him five years ago, and although during the first

round of voting here, she was quick distancing herself from him and she actually condemned russia's actions in invading ukraine, was that a concern for people? that they look at her and think, this is not someone who can represent our country on the world stage. where there are just too many doubts of there are just too many doubts of the french people had, despite this disdain that some people have been talking about for emmanuel macron. despite the unpopularity, despite the fact that the economy was on the rise, unemployment had been falling, more french people decided it was worth giving him another shot, another five years. and listening to marine le pen earlier, she said i will never abandon the french people, so no suggestion that a 30 feet, as you have put it, no suggestion in a third defeat means that she is off. well, that's it, and i mean she is the face of the party, she is one of

these politicians who goes byjust one word, marine, she needs a surname, she is the heart and soul, her supporters would say, of the campaign, and the whole project was trying to distance herself from his remark her father, trying to distance herself from his remark herfather, and trying to distance herself from his remark her father, and top trying to distance herself from his remark herfather, and top party figures who down the years many decided were either racist or not in a statement to be representing france in the world stage, so it is hard to tell in terms of any other members of the party who may come forward, certainly she said tonight that she is not going anywhere, that this is something that should be built upon in elections to come, but, you know, is it time for a change within her party? we shall see. this is her third attempt at the presidency, the third time unlucky for her, and despite what she said to date, debrief a she was

putting on it tonight, she let her supporters in a rendition of the marseille, it's a bit like the champagne here which is going flat, because they brought out a load of the stuff, i can tell you, the people who are drinking it, they haven't got beaming smiles on their face, they are sort of drowning their sorrows in coming to terms with this defeat.— their sorrows in coming to terms with this defeat. very interesting. thank ou with this defeat. very interesting. thank you so _ with this defeat. very interesting. thank you so much, _ with this defeat. very interesting. thank you so much, nick- with this defeat. very interesting. thank you so much, nick beake, l with this defeat. very interesting. i thank you so much, nick beake, our correspondence, there, with the marine le pen camp. to recap, marine le pen has conceded defeat in the french presidential election. it comes after polls predicted a win for macron with over 58% of the vote, and in the pan is expected to have just under 42%. with me are alexandre kouchner, a political analyst

here, and nacira guenif, professor of sociology and anthropology at the university paris 8, vincennes—saint—denis. we have just had the exit polls there, you had some interesting details about how many votes we think they're in the pan has gained a last time. it think they're in the pan has gained a last time-— a last time. it seems these are estimates. _ a last time. it seems these are estimates, we _ a last time. it seems these are estimates, we will— a last time. it seems these are estimates, we will have - a last time. it seems these are estimates, we will have the i a last time. it seems these are - estimates, we will have the results as they come in, but it seems she added 3 million votes to her name. that is why, in her sense, she can say this is a big victory. first of all, in 2017, she was written off. her dismal performance at the debate had put her somewhere in the limbo of politics. she is back, she added three millions to her name, it seems now that a lot of french people, at least 41% of the voters, think that this is a legitimate party, and this is a huge feet. we were discussing earlier where that party comes from, this is a party founded by holocaust deniers and former ss members, and to be able to shed that image of is to be able to shed that image of is to her credit. that has always been

her strategy, and, yes, it is a third time running, it didn't work this time, she keeps on adding votes, she keeps on restructuring her party, i would bet that you can count on her for the her party, i would bet that you can count on herfor the next presidential elections. 50. count on her for the next presidential elections. so, she is not off, presidential elections. so, she is not off. so _ presidential elections. so, she is not off, so when _ presidential elections. so, she is not off, so when she _ presidential elections. so, she is not off, so when she says, - presidential elections. so, she is not off, so when she says, i - presidential elections. so, she is not off, so when she says, i willl not off, so when she says, i will never abandon the french people, thatis never abandon the french people, that is what that means.— never abandon the french people, that is what that means. well, yeah, that's her business, _ that is what that means. well, yeah, that's her business, it _ that is what that means. well, yeah, that's her business, it is _ that is what that means. well, yeah, that's her business, it is the - that's her business, it is the family business. her name is the brand. so, by continuously campaigning, she will still be there. it is harderfor her during non—presidential years, because being a member of parliament doesn't really cast such a shining light, but what we are seeing here is a complete recomposition of the political landscape in which she is now the right—wing opposition to emmanuel macron. this gives her certainly another go, or at least an incredible political weight, at least in the six weeks to come. sis. least in the six weeks to come. six weeks to, — least in the six weeks to come. six weeks to, there are parliamentary elections. we had a few minutes ago

from jean—luc melenchon who came third in the first round two weeks ago. he only came in a little bit behind marine le pen. it is the case that the left, in this presidential election, in the election five years ago, were not present.— election, in the election five years ago, were not present. what happens to the left in — ago, were not present. what happens to the left in france _ ago, were not present. what happens to the left in france now? _ ago, were not present. what happens to the left in france now? well, - ago, were not present. what happens to the left in france now? well, i - to the left in france now? well, i think— to the left in france now? well, i think that — to the left in france now? well, i think that melenchon embodies what happened to the left in france. it means— happened to the left in france. it means that now he is embodying the left, unlike _ means that now he is embodying the left, unlike five years ago, during which _ left, unlike five years ago, during which one — left, unlike five years ago, during which one could seem to understand is that— which one could seem to understand is that the _ which one could seem to understand is that the socialist party might still be — is that the socialist party might still be alive, it has dived since then, _ still be alive, it has dived since then, it — still be alive, it has dived since then, it has _ still be alive, it has dived since then, it has been completely crushed by a emmanuel macron, then, it has been completely crushed bya emmanuel macron, and then, it has been completely crushed by a emmanuel macron, and we see that alan— by a emmanuel macron, and we see that alan sean has not only the votes _ that alan sean has not only the votes of — that alan sean has not only the votes of people who are in favour of this programme also the votes of those who— this programme also the votes of those who were likely to votes for

the green — those who were likely to votes for the green all for the socialist party, — the green all for the socialist party, that has completely disappeared from the picture, but let me _ disappeared from the picture, but let me add something about the so-called — let me add something about the so—called victory of emmanuel macron, — so—called victory of emmanuel macron, if— so—called victory of emmanuel macron, if i may. ithink so—called victory of emmanuel macron, if i may. i think it's interesting to consider the fact that the — interesting to consider the fact that the partisanship and the party that the partisanship and the party that he _ that the partisanship and the party that he built arbery keen to claim that he built arbery keen to claim that as _ that he built arbery keen to claim that as a — that he built arbery keen to claim that as a victory, and one should be cautious— that as a victory, and one should be cautious about that, because the election— cautious about that, because the election that is for coming is not about— election that is for coming is not about a — election that is for coming is not about a victory. people who voted for macron — about a victory. people who voted for macron voted against marine le pen, _ for macron voted against marine le pen. which — for macron voted against marine le pen, which is quite different for voting _ pen, which is quite different for voting for— pen, which is quite different for voting for him and for his programme, and they seem to forget that very— programme, and they seem to forget that very quickly. they did that the first time _ that very quickly. they did that the first time because it was exactly the same — first time because it was exactly the same scene that we were in, but this time _ the same scene that we were in, but this time he — the same scene that we were in, but this time he has been president for five years. — this time he has been president for five years, he has drawn a lot of anxiety, — five years, he has drawn a lot of anxiety, a — five years, he has drawn a lot of anxiety, a lot of also hatred from a

lot of— anxiety, a lot of also hatred from a lot of french — anxiety, a lot of also hatred from a lot of french people, so it would be, lot of french people, so it would be maybe _ lot of french people, so it would be, maybe, interesting to see if they— be, maybe, interesting to see if they are — be, maybe, interesting to see if they are humbled by the figure or if they are humbled by the figure or if they consider that this is their time — they consider that this is their time again to push forward the programme, whereas its enough to the programme _ programme, whereas its enough to the programme of micron the people voted mainly _ programme of micron the people voted mainly if_ programme of micron the people voted mainly if i _ programme of micron the people voted mainl . ._ , ., programme of micron the people voted mainl . i. _, mainly. ifi may, you could tell that today's — mainly. ifi may, you could tell that today's some _ mainly. ifi may, you could tell that today's some of _ mainly. ifi may, you could tell that today's some of the - mainly. ifi may, you could tell| that today's some of the french people voted just for whom they hate the least. as you rightly say, this is not 58% of the french voters who actually are in favour of his policies, which makes his next term quite difficult to handle, because this will mean that the moment you step onto that new stage as the renewed president, you still already have a very strong opposition. if you look at the first round, which is much more telling, you have almost two thirds of the voters who are already against your programme. this is going to be very tricky for

a manual micron, for his legacy term, because he cannot run after this term. �*, ., ., ., this term. so, he's got to do whatever— this term. so, he's got to do whatever he _ this term. so, he's got to do whatever he wants _ this term. so, he's got to do whatever he wants to - this term. so, he's got to do whatever he wants to do - this term. so, he's got to do | whatever he wants to do now. this term. so, he's got to do - whatever he wants to do now. and it is very likely — whatever he wants to do now. and it is very likely that _ whatever he wants to do now. and it is very likely that he _ whatever he wants to do now. and it is very likely that he will _ whatever he wants to do now. and it is very likely that he will not - whatever he wants to do now. and it is very likely that he will not get - is very likely that he will not get the kind — is very likely that he will not get the kind of majority that he got for his first _ the kind of majority that he got for his first term. it's about making sure~~ — his first term. it's about making sure... , , sure... this is in the parliamentary elections sure. .. this is in the parliamentary elections this— sure... this is in the parliamentary elections this is _ sure... this is in the parliamentary elections this is the _ sure... this is in the parliamentary elections this is the assembly. - elections this is the assembly. exactly, this is making sure that people _ exactly, this is making sure that people who gave his votes but do not approve _ people who gave his votes but do not approve of— people who gave his votes but do not approve of his programme, to make sure this _ approve of his programme, to make sure this translates into the new parliamentary assembly, and it does not have _ parliamentary assembly, and it does not have all— parliamentary assembly, and it does not have all these that he had in 20i7 _ not have all these that he had in 20i7 in _ not have all these that he had in 2017 in order to implement his programme. this is going to be another— programme. this is going to be another fight, and those people that seem _ another fight, and those people that seem to _ another fight, and those people that seem to be acting as a victory, or victorious. — seem to be acting as a victory, or victorious, should be cautious not to make _ victorious, should be cautious not to make people think that this is over~ _

to make people think that this is over. ., ., ., ~ , ., over. ok, for the moment, thank you both very much _ over. ok, for the moment, thank you both very much indeed. _ over. ok, for the moment, thank you both very much indeed. back - over. ok, for the moment, thank you both very much indeed. back to - over. ok, for the moment, thank you both very much indeed. back to you i both very much indeed. back to you shortly. here's are some essential facts about emmanuel macron. he is 44 years old and has served as president of france since 2017. if he wins the day, he will then be constitutionally barred from running again. he has a background in banking and served as a senior adviser to president francois hollande in his socialist administration. he launched his own party, en marche, and became france's youngest ever president age 39 in 2017. in policy terms, he is committed to france playing a key role in the european union, although he has called for reforms to the organisation. he has introduced reforms to labour laws, taxation and pensions, which have triggered some protests, including the yellowjacket demonstrations which started in 2018 after fuel taxes were increased. and on the international stage, he was highly critical of a security deal which saw australia renege on an agreement to buy french

submarines going to the us and uk instead, and he spoke repeatedly to vladimir putin about russia's invasion of ukraine. the picture you are saying i live in paris at the foot of the eiffel tower, an area where micron supporters are celebrating their leader's victory —— where macron supporters are celebrating. the poll just released puts macron at 58%, marine le pen at 41.8%, these are predicted figures, but the pulse of

neverin predicted figures, but the pulse of never in the past been wrong, so would be quite something if it is wrong this time. everybody they're clearly extremely happy and it is the party to be at tonight in paris. michel wierviorka is a french sociologist. hello to you, thanks so much for joining us on bbc news. ieihfhat hello to you, thanks so much for joining us on bbc news.- hello to you, thanks so much for joining us on bbc news. what is your reaction to the _ joining us on bbc news. what is your reaction to the results? _ joining us on bbc news. what is your reaction to the results? well, - joining us on bbc news. what is your reaction to the results? well, it's - reaction to the results? well, it's a strange mixture, like for many french people, because on the one hand i consider that it is a shame to have such a huge score for somebody coming from the extreme right. it is a shame. on the other hand, i am right. it is a shame. on the other hand, iam not right. it is a shame. on the other hand, i am not totally convinced that what macron is going to do, because i know what he has done during the last five years, and what you promise recently is not exactly what she has been doing during the last five years. so, i am like many french people have voted for him without any energy, without any

enthusiasm, and i don't think that there will be a lot of enthusiasm, and that we are just at this moment when we are entering a new era. my first feeling, my second feeling is that the election as may be the proof that we must change a lot the institutional french system. the system was built by a general the goal, a big man, a great man, and at a time when politics was very different, i know we are to time where we have nobody in the second term, no brains from the left, a man who is between centre and right, the new president of the renewed president, so this is not possible. we have political forces president, so this is not possible. we have politicalforces in president, so this is not possible. we have political forces in this country that cannot be discussed

together, we are not germany were political actors find solutions to work together, so we have need of very important institutional changes, because if we don't have these changes will have many big problems. it these changes will have many big troblems. , ., ., ~ these changes will have many big| problems._ well, problems. it is at all likely? well, it is difficult... — problems. it is at all likely? well, it is difficult... because _ problems. it is at all likely? well, it is difficult... because it - problems. it is at all likely? well, it is difficult... because it is - problems. it is at all likely? well, it is difficult... because it is not i it is difficult... because it is not in the interests _ it is difficult... because it is not in the interests of _ it is difficult... because it is not in the interests of the _ it is difficult... because it is not in the interests of the person i it is difficult... because it is not i in the interests of the person who won, is it? why would he want to change anything? i won, is it? why would he want to change anything?— won, is it? why would he want to change anything? i will give more trecise change anything? i will give more precise example, _ change anything? i will give more precise example, maybe - change anything? i will give more precise example, maybe it - change anything? i will give more precise example, maybe it is - change anything? i will give more precise example, maybe it is not| change anything? i will give more i precise example, maybe it is not the best time at the moment, where people arejust happy, people are just happy, celebrated, we must respect this, but during the last five years if seen in this country a certain number of intermediary bodies being decomposed, being distributed. give you key example, we had some trade unions in this country, president macron did not want to discuss things with them, including the ones i wanted to make reforms, not the radical ones. so, trade unions today are not very useful. i can say the

same with big ngos and associations, and i could say the same as many institutions which means that between the political power and the people, we are losing mediations, intermediary institutions, parties and so on, and so if we don't have a rebuilding of all this system, the situation could become very dangerous. so, this is a key issue, and i'm not sure that the new president will really do a lot for this. ., , ., , , , this. you must have felt depressed heafint this. you must have felt depressed hearint so this. you must have felt depressed hearing so many — this. you must have felt depressed hearing so many people _ this. you must have felt depressed hearing so many people saying - hearing so many people saying they are choosing between the lesser of two evils. ~ ., ., two evils. well, i tried not to think like _ two evils. well, i tried not to think like that. _ two evils. well, i tried not to think like that. it's _ two evils. well, i tried not to think like that. it's not - two evils. well, i tried not to i think like that. it's not between two evils, because i can also say that without macron, maybe it would have been worse. we are not in hungary, we are not in russia, we are in a country where democracy is

still alive, where the centre—right is ok, and so on. i still alive, where the centre-right is ok, and so on.— still alive, where the centre-right is ok, and so on. i 'ust want you to tull is ok, and so on. i 'ust want you to putt seieh _ is ok, and so on. i 'ust want you to putt seen so — is ok, and so on. ijust want you to pull sarah go over to eric _ is ok, and so on. ijust want you to pull sarah go over to eric zemmour who got a percentage of the vote in the first run, of the far right. translation: what i want to save this evening is that all is not lost, we do have reasons to hope. our party has been strengthened by this beautiful activist use. applause our party, has been strengthened by its 122,000 members, and i call upon more people tojoin its 122,000 members, and i call upon more people to join our party by

vide. and we have strength in the staff and the talent we have within our party. now, we are able to fight against the deconstruction of our country that emmanuel macron is carrying out. we continue to fight for our ideas in every city and village in france, as well as on the internet and through the media. however, there cannot be an electoral victory without an alliance between all the parties, between grandparents and grandchildren, between urban and rural areas, grandchildren, between urban and ruralareas, between grandchildren, between urban and rural areas, between poor people who want to continue living in a france

thatis want to continue living in a france that is still french. the political situation today requires us to act. the legislate of elections which are coming up injune are bringing about the formation of two political blocs around emmanuel macron and jean—luc melenchon, the liberals and the leftist melenchon camp. we have these two blocs which are uniting and there is only one loser, which is france. the national campers know only account which has not been able to unite its forces, really going to give all the power to a manual microphone and melenchon? i do not want that to happen, millions of us do not want that to happen. the national bloc must also unite. we

have an enormous responsibility, for that reason, i called for national union in legislative elections. we must forget our quarrels, we must all unite, this is absolutely essential and it's our duty. let's build as fast as we can the first right wing, patriotically coalition, bringing together national rally, reconquete it and the republicans that do not want to join emmanuel macron. this is the opportunity to really have some clout and perhaps even went out at the legislative elections. our coalition is not a coalition, it is a necessity, it is

our duty, we have a country to reconquer. our strength is in our union, our coalition must be strong, long live the republic and most importantly, long live france. that was eric zemmour _ importantly, long live france. that was eric zemmour calling for a right—wing, pick shot a coalition with the national rally, the party of marine le pen. eric zemmour, who got 7% in the first round and he told his voters to support marine le pen. let'sjust remind told his voters to support marine le pen. let's just remind you of what we know. an exit poll has just been published and it predicts a win for emmanuel macron, with over 58% of the vote. le pen expected to have just under 42%. those figures are projected figures,

they may vary a little bit but the overall result has never been wrong, so would be quite something if it were wrong this time. certainly, marine le pen has conceded this election. speaking shortly after the exit polls from her campaign headquarters, marine le pen conceded defeat to the incumbent in france's presidential election. but she also said that she would keep up the political fightagainst president emmanuel macron in the run—up to june parliamentary elections. translation: at the end of this trocess, translation: at the end of this process. there — translation: at the end of this process, there is _ translation: at the end of this process, there is an _ translation: at the end of this process, there is an enormous i process, there is an enormous process, there is an enormous process happening in the country and there are efforts to combat the elites represented by macron. now we have a genuine opposition. now, all is not lost because of the few weeks' time, we have the legislative elections coming up. and with this

legislative election process, that reinforces the results, and at the moment, we may see emmanuel macron grab even more executive and legislative power, this is high risk. now, no democrat and none of our fellow citizens should accept this. this is a destructive proposition for france. in the face of those who want to try and continue the current process, we know what we will do, we will, with our sincerity intact, continue to do our sincerity intact, continue to do our work. therefore, this evening, we would like to launch the great battle for the legislative elections. i will carry out this battle alongside my colleagues and all of those who had the courage to

stand up to emmanuel macron in the second round. iwill stand up to emmanuel macron in the second round. i will represent all those who are dedicated to our nation, will now work to bring together everyone from all different parts of the country, everyone who wants to work against a manual microphone in your constituency, the metropolitan part of france and in the overseas territories, we will continue this process. i would like to call upon you to come together and vote for these candidates. it's all left to play for at this stage. we must make sure we retain hope. the historic score of this evening shows that our party is in an excellent position to make progress in june. we excellent position to make progress injune. we want to put all this effort to the service of our project and i know you share our hopes for

france. this evening, allowing to say once again, i will never abandon french people. long live the republic, long live france. marine le pen was _ republic, long live france. marine le pen was speaking _ republic, long live france. marine le pen was speaking during - republic, long live france. marine le pen was speaking during her. le pen was speaking during her concession speech, conceding she has been defeated in the election. herve berville is a french mp from emmanuel macron's la republique en marche party. congratulations to you and your leader, clearly a cause for celebration for you tonight. but the gap between emmanuel macron and marine le pen this time is closer, it's smaller than it was five years ago, that must be a cause for concern? {lit ago, that must be a cause for concern?— concern? of course, like the extensions _ concern? of course, like the extensions also, _ concern? of course, like the extensions also, so - concern? of course, like the extensions also, so that - concern? of course, like the extensions also, so that is i concern? of course, like the i extensions also, so that is why concern? of course, like the - extensions also, so that is why we have to work harder than the last five years, but we are at least

happy, because french citizens chose hope over fear, they chose unity over division, and now we need to work and make sure the projects that french people put first in the first round and put first also in the second round, there is a project of unity, of building a strong europe, of making sure we tackle the issue of making sure we tackle the issue of climate change, making sure we face the challenge of social justice, that we can deliver it and we have a clear mandate also at the national assembly and we will continue doing this. so national assembly and we will continue doing this.— national assembly and we will continue doing this. so many said durint the continue doing this. so many said during the campaign _ continue doing this. so many said during the campaign that - continue doing this. so many said during the campaign that they - continue doing this. so many said i during the campaign that they didn't feel that emmanuel macron address these concerns, particularly on socialjustice?— these concerns, particularly on socialjustice? social 'ustice? they felt politics was socialjustice? they felt politics was not changing _ socialjustice? they felt politics was not changing their- socialjustice? they felt politics was not changing their lives, i socialjustice? they felt politics i was not changing their lives, and socialjustice? they felt politics - was not changing their lives, and we heard this. but that is not a message particularly in france, we can see that in a lot of european countries and western countries, but we need to tackle this issue of making sure that people are part of

the democracy process, they feel heard, they feel listened too, that is why will continue. it we have done a lot of things of the last five years, there are a lot of challenges ahead of us and we will continue and make sure that we govern in the way that we implement policy. that's the fight we need to take.~ policy. that's the fight we need to take. ~ , ., . policy. that's the fight we need to take. ~ i. ., ,, ., ,, policy. that's the fight we need to take. ~ i. ., , , ., ,, ., take. while you are speaking, we are showint take. while you are speaking, we are showing pictures _ take. while you are speaking, we are showing pictures of _ take. while you are speaking, we are showing pictures of president - take. while you are speaking, we arej showing pictures of president macron travelling down, perhaps towards the area where we think he's going to be giving his speech, his victory speech, down towards the eiffel tower and towards that area. while we look at those pictures, i hear what do you say, but there is a lot of work to be done for president macron. he has a second term but he only has this term, what are its the first only has this term, what are its twe first priority is making sure that we tackle the rising cost of living.

the second is facing the issue of climate change. and listen to young people marching, asking for much more on this issue. the third one is health, making sure that all across france we have access to a good health situation. the last one which is important for me, is how we can change our institutions to make sure that people feel more included in the democratic process. but we've done a lot in the last five years, we have transformed with other leaders europe, we did things that were thought impossible. we have reduced unemployment and we are now in historic boom of employment. that we have had some success, there are still a lot of chances but we will continue making sure that we take people from the left, from the right, from the centre, because this is what we believe locks in these

difficult challenges, we need to unite and make sure we tackle the right and the issues facing our citizens. ., �* ., ., ., citizens. you've got another challenge — citizens. you've got another challenge in _ citizens. you've got another challenge in six _ citizens. you've got another challenge in six weeks' - citizens. you've got another. challenge in six weeks' time, citizens. you've got another- challenge in six weeks' time, which is elections to the assembly, to the french parliament, some people say that the party, la republique en marche, it could do pretty badly in those elections, you could end up in a situation where you have paralysis?— a situation where you have aral sis? �* , , , a situation where you have aral sis? �* , ,, ~ paralysis? anything is possible. at the same people _ paralysis? anything is possible. at the same people were _ paralysis? anything is possible. at the same people were saying - paralysis? anything is possible. at the same people were saying that| paralysis? anything is possible. at. the same people were saying that it is not possible that president macron was elected in 2017, they were saying it is not possible that were saying it is not possible that we could have a majority in 2017, it is the same for this year. how to have a lot of humanity, listen to people. we need to show people that we want this right to govern, the strong majority to face the challenges we describe, and i'm sure that people will listen to us and

that people will listen to us and that president macron has the way and to deliver what he promised in the selection.— and to deliver what he promised in the selection. thank you very much indeed. i want to show you the pictures that i want to show you the pictures that i showed you a few minutes ago of a motorcade going through paris. that is accompanying president macron on his way to the headquarters, the makeshift headquarters, which are out the foot of the eiffel tower. and there in fact it is, supporters celebrating, music, flags, everything you would expect. there must be much happiness and relief there. relief at the result we have had. there it is on the big screen, the projected result for president

macron. 58.2%, against marine le pen, who has gotjust over 41% of the vote is. it is a projected vote, it is a projected result, i should say, because it's based on the exit poll, we will get the actual result at some stage in the next few hours. but it is the case that the exit poll has never, in any french election, produced the wrong results. it may be tweaked a little bit but it has never in fact produced the wrong results. so, it is a victory for essentially the continuity candidate, emmanuel macron, and he has achieved a second term in office. the first to do so in 20 years. the last was jacques chirac, in 2002. so, it has has been

the continuity candidate over marine le pen and her appeal to the french to vote, as she said, french. you are watching those of you justjoining us, to let you know that an exit poll has been published in the french presidential election and it predicts a win for emmanuel macron, with over 58% of the vote. marine le pen is expected to have just under 42%, the vote. marine le pen is expected to havejust under 42%, and marine le pen has conceded defeat in a speech a little earlier here in paris. as you would expect, leaders around the world have started sending their congratulations to france's newly elected president. british prime minister borisjohnson has released a statement saying that...