Centrist Emmanuel Macron pledged to unite France as defeated opponents gave their allegiance to him in his battle for the French presidency with far-right leader Marine Le Pen.
Mr Macron and Ms Le Pen secured the two berths for the run-off in May 7 in a result that saw the two movements that have dominated French politics for 60 years eliminated in the first round, partial results showed.
Mr Macron, who quit current president Francois Hollande’s Socialists only last year ago to launch a new party, led the way with 23.7% of the first round vote, according to an exit poll by Ipsos and Sopra Steria.
Alex Salmond discusses today’s development.
