The President-elect of France Emmanuel Macron with Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama in Paris in September 2016. Photo courtesy of Olivier Adam

By Lobsang Wangyal

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has congratulated Emmanuel Macron on his convincing victory against Marine Le Pen in the French presidential elections on Sunday.

Independent centrist Macron defeated anti-immigration nationalist Marine Le Pen to become France’s 25th president, and also the youngest at 39.

In his letter, the Dalai Lama recalled his meeting with Macron during his visit to France in September last year, and said, “It was an honour to meet with you in Paris.”

“I very much appreciate the sentiments you expressed at that time. During my visits to your country over the years, I have been touched by the affection and friendship shown to me by people from all walks of life.

“As you know, I am an enthusiastic admirer of the spirit of the European Union — putting the wider community’s long-term common interest ahead of national and other local concerns. I hope the European Union will grow from strength to strength and that it will be a model for other continents to follow in times to come.

“Since France is one of the pillars of the European Union, I am confident that you will be able to play an active role in its successfully meeting the challenges that lie ahead.”

President of the Central Tibetan Administration Lobsang Sangay offered his congratulations, saying, “Your decisive victory in the French election is a reflection of the French people’s deep-rooted faith in the spirit of reconciliation and integration that you have advocated as part of your En Marche campaign.”

“It is a testament to the strength and resonance of France’s three founding principles — Liberty, Fraternity, and Equality — in these divided times.

“France is also one of Tibet’s strongest supporters in the European Union. In fact Paris, the capital of France, has bestowed an honorary citizenship on His Holiness the Dalai Lama in an expression of strong support and solidarity with Tibet and the Tibetan movement in 2008.”

Macron replaces outgoing Francois Hollande, of the Socialist Party, on Sunday.

The election was seen as a significant victory for the survival of a unified European Union after Britain’s Brexit vote, and a defeat for the nation-first politics followed by US president Donald Trump.