(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) BRUSSELS, April 24 (KUNA) -- The President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker has congratulated the Centrist candidate in France's Presidential election Emmanuel Macron because he defends Europe, an EU spokesperson said here Monday.
"Yesterday evening the choice was between defending what Europe represents and another option which aims to destroy Europe. And our President thought it was worthwhile to congratulate the candidate which defended the pro-European option," Juncker's spokesman Margaritis Schinas told a news conference.
He said that till the second round of elections are held on 7 May, "we really hope that there will be a wide ranging public discussion on Europe and the issues related to Europe." The spokesman stressed that "France is the central pillar of the EU. It is one of our founding countries." Analysts point out that it is unusual for a President of the European Commission to congratulate any candidate even before the final round of polls is held.
Macron won 23.8% of votes in the first round, while the extreme-right leader Marine Le Pen took 21.5%. (end) nk.mt
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