What mandate for Macron? France's challenges in an uncertain world

After all, democracy worked on the night. The win was convincing, the loser Marine Le Pen conceded without fuss, and many put aside soul-searching. In the end, French voters often held their noses to cast ballots in a system where the first round is for choosing and the run-off for eliminating. Still, the latter saw a record vote for the far-right and a near-record abstention rate.

Meanwhile, the French are only at the midway point of voting, with legislative elections slated for June. How well will the system work? Will the makeup of the next parliament reflect the will of the people? And more broadly, what mandate for the liberal, pro-EU, pro-NATO Emmanuel Macron?

Produced by Charles Wente, Juliette Laurain and Imen Mellaz.

Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning

Take international news everywhere with you! Download the France 24 app