Sanders: In Selecting Macron, French People 'Rejected Racism,' 'Xenophobia'

Sen. Bernie Sanders congratulated the people of France following Emmanuel Macron’s victory in the French presidential election and said in picking Macron they “rejected racism and xenophobia.”

Congratulations to the people of France who today, by an overwhelming vote, rejected racism and xenophobia.

— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) May 7, 2017

Macron, 39, on Sunday decidedly defeated Marine Le Pen, who was praised by President Donald Trump for being "strong on borders." Macron called for centrist change and ran on a platform to loosen labor rules, make France more competitive around the world and stick with the European Union, which Le Pen threatened to leave.

Le Pen, 48, and the former leader of France’s far right National Front party, has drawn comparisons to Trump for her tough talk on immigration, her opposition to free trade and their thoughts on NATO – both have questioned its role.

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries echoed Sanders’ sentiments.

BREAKING: French People have spoken. Macron wins. Xenophobia/Putin lose. And Trump's candidate is rejected!

— Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) May 7, 2017

• Marine Le Pen Earns Surprising Support From Many Gay Men in France
• Le Pen to Newsmax: Macron is 'Darling of the System'