2017 French presidential election

The 2017 French presidential election was held to choose France's leader, following the tenure of François Hollande. It featured 11 candidates, with Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen as the main contenders. Macron, a centrist former minister, and Le Pen, a right-wing populist, advanced from the first round. In the runoff, Macron won decisively with about 66% of the vote, defeating Le Pen. His victory marked a shift against traditional parties and reflected Europe's broader debates on immigration, globalization, and national identity. Macron then became France’s youngest president at age 39, assuming office in May 2017.