European Leaders Express Surprise and Fear Over Jean-Marie Le Pen's Victory in French Presidential Elections

European leaders have expressed surprise and fear regarding the victory of Jean-Marie Le Pen, the leader of France's far-right, in the first round of the presidential elections held yesterday. Mr. Le Pen, who opposes immigration and emphasized the need for law and order and security in his campaign, garnered seventeen percent of the votes. While other far-right leaders in several European countries have expressed satisfaction with Mr. Le Pen's second-place finish in the preliminary elections, officials from the governments of Greece, Sweden, Germany, and the United Kingdom have strongly criticized this extremist nationalist politician, deeming his presence dangerous for democracy in France. Despite Mr. Le Pen's prominence in the preliminary elections, opinion polls indicate that he will be defeated in the final round of elections scheduled for May 5 against the incumbent president, Jacques Chirac. Nevertheless, France's main political parties have urged voters to reject and deny Jean-Marie Le Pen in the second round of elections next month. Media outlets in France and other European countries have described the results of yesterday's presidential election in France as a political earthquake. The London Sun referred to yesterday as a day of shame for France.