Xavier Bettel said that a few months ago no-one would have expected a duel between Macron and Le Pen Press Information Service

Xavier Bettel said that a few months ago no-one would have expected a duel between Macron and Le Pen Press Information Service

The vote saw newcomer and leader of movement “En Marche!” Emmanuel Macron take the lead (23.9%) followed by National Front leader Marine Le Pen (21.4%).

The two go through to round two which takes place on 7 May, 2017.

Speaking on the 7am Journal programme on RTL radio on Monday, Luxembourg leader Xavier Bettel said that a few months ago no-one would have expected a duel between Macron and Le Pen.

He suggested that the political climate in France changed in recent weeks leading to the elimination of France’s two most traditional parties.

Bettel said he was disappointed to see Le Pen reach more than 20% of the vote, saying the National Front leader represents “everything I wish to fight”.

He praised Macron’s defence of European democratic values and said he hoped to see France voting in favour of values of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence in the next round.