Emmanuel Macron delivers his victory speech | Lionel Bonaventure/AFP via Getty Images Emmanuel Macron stresses national unity in victory speech French president-elect tells supporters of Marine Le Pen that he understands their anger.

French President-elect Emmanuel Macron used his victory speech on Sunday to tell supporters of his far-right opponent that he understood their anger and promised to prioritize security and social policy.

After being attacked for a seemingly over-the-top reaction to his first round win, Macron delivered a sober speech after defeating Marine Le Pen in a runoff vote. He stressed national unity and expressed respect to Le Pen for her campaign.

"I know the divisions of our country that have driven some to the extreme. I respect them. I know the anger, anxiety, and doubts that many have expressed," Macron said, vowing to look after the "most fragile" in society.

"France will be on the front line of the fight against terrorism on its soil and in international action," he added.

Also appealing to a sense of nationhood, Macron insisted that he understood his responsibility to the French people as "the heirs of a great history and a great humanist message to the world."

He also stressed his commitment to the European Union and issues of greater concern to younger voters such as the "gigantic challenges" of climate change and the digital revolution.

He vowed to defend both France and Europe.

"It is our civilization that is at stake, our way of life.”