Harris: I support optimistic approach of France's Macron

The prime minister of St Kitts and Nevis has congratulated the new president of France, commending the country's new approach to politics.

Timothy Harris has sent his congratulations to the centrist president-elect, and admitted that he sees similarities between Macron's En Marche! movement his own "young and change-making movement".

He said: “Emmanuel Macron’s historic ascendancy to the presidency – which saw him become France’s youngest president, and the first since Valéry Giscard d’Estaing (who led from 1974 to 1981) to be elected from outside the traditional parties – is a decisive win for his En Marche! (Onward!) movement.”

He added that En Marche! aims to generate new ideas and move the country forward by tapping into the boundless energy and diversity of the people of France, and "we in St Kitts and Nevis support this optimistic vision of progress".

Dr. Harris further noted that, “France’s President-elect understands clearly that we are indeed better together, and his theme of unity resonates well with the Government of National Unity of St. Kitts and Nevis.”

The 2017 French presidential election has been described as “a first for modern France.”  Notably, the mainstream left and right parties failed to qualify for Sunday’s presidential run-off. 

Emmanuel Macron ended up winning 66% of the vote, trouncing far-right candidate Marine Le Pen.

Former British prime minister Tony Blair said last month that a Macron win would represent a global victory. 

Former US President Barack Obama endorsed Emmanuel Macron last week, saying: "I have admired the campaign that Emmanuel Macron has run. He has stood up for liberal values.

"He put forward the vision for the important role that France plays in Europe and around the world, and he has committed to a better future for French people. He appeals to people's hopes, and not their fears."

Upon hearing the election results, Prime Minister Timothy Harris said: “As the leader of a young and change-making movement myself, I followed with keen interest his campaign as he fought for integration and togetherness among his people, Europe and the wider world.”