RantCrush Top 5: April 24, 2017

Yesterday, the French presidential election took place and it was a tight race–probably the most important and suspense-filled election in France in years. It’s seen as a test of the rise of populism in Europe after Brexit, the election of Donald Trump, and the increase of anti-immigrant and racist views. Far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen and left-center Emmanuel Macron were the winners of the first round, with Macron in the lead. This means they will go on to the runoff election on May 7.

This is the 1st time in modern French history that neither candidate from the main center-right or center-left party is headed to the runoff https://t.co/1SZ3rXZRgw

— Yasmeen Serhan (@YasmeenSerhan) April 23, 2017

If Macron, a 39-year-old former banker and political newcomer, can defeat Le Pen, that will be a big victory for more liberal values in Europe. Conservative Francois Fillon and socialist Benoît Hamon both admitted defeat when the results started pouring in and immediately urged people to give Macron their vote.

BREAKING: Defeated French conservative Fillon calls on supporters to support centrist Macron against the far-right leader Le Pen.

— The Associated Press (@AP) April 23, 2017

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.