Austrian leaders express support for French president-elect

The majority of Austria's political leaders positively reacted to the outcome of Sunday's French presidential election, standing behind president-elect Emmanuel Macron as the better choice.

The Krone reported Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen as stating he is "greatly happy" that Macron won with a solid margin.

He said in his campaigning Macron had made the case for a "strong Europe". "Europe needs France, and France needs Europe," Van der Bellen added.

Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern congratulated Macron via his Facebook page, writing that the outcome represents a victory for "the forces that stand for openness and a strong Europe".

He further wrote that he sees the president-elect as an "ally for the urgently-needed policy change in the EU", and that one should work together to achieve greater security and prosperity.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Sebastian Kurz congratulated Macron via his Twitter page, and said that it is now important that France implements major reforms. Further, one needs a pro-European France, which "takes part in necessary changes in the EU".

Somewhat more muted were the congratulations from the leader of the far-right Freedom Party Heinz-Christian Strache. In a statement he acknowledged Macron as the clear victor of the election, in a result that is "to be respected".

He nonetheless found positive words for ally and loser of the French election Marine Le Pen, claiming the 11 million votes she received will put her party, Front National, in excellent stead for the upcoming legislative elections in just a few weeks. Endit