Latest from Paris — it looks as though Emmanuel Macron will be the next French leader
By Paul Jacobs in Paris
Macron is president of France.
Well, maybe not yet but that is how this chronicler sees it. Those slinging mud his way before the first round of the Presidential elections are now inviting their supporters to vote for him in the second round.
Those who vilified him but now will vote for him, include the infamous François Fillon of expensive suits and funny-money-to-wife Penelope fame.
Anyone but Marine!
The Prime Minister and his immediate predecessor have made a similar call. Anyone but Marine is the cry.
They have Emmanuel.
Perhaps surprisingly, Macron led the far-right Marine Le Pen in the votes by 24% to 21%.
It was expected that she would lead. If she does, I shall take refuge in the USA or, like many these days, seek haven in New Zealand, a country nobody knew about 30 years ago but where everyone seems to want to go to now.
Second round of the two round fight takes place on Sunday May 7.
Watch this space.