– This is the script of CNBC's news report for China's CCTV on May 8, Monday.
Welcome to CNBC Business Daily, I'm Qian Chen.
Emmanuel Macron has fought off populist opponent Marine Le Pen and won the race to become France's next president.
Macron's win signals a victory for both pro-Europeans and pollsters, who correctly predicted his lead.
For the markets, the French CAC index is likely to continue its rally as markets celebrate their anticipated outcome, according to commentators. The benchmark reached a more than nine-year high Thursday last week after Macron appeared the victor in the final televised debate ahead of Sunday's vote.
Meanwhile, other European bourses are expected to show relief as the integrity of the EU remains intact. Germany's DAX broke through its all-time ceiling following Macron's success in the first round.
The euro jumped against the dollar when markets opened Sunday evening. The single currency reached $1.1010 as fears over a Le Pen-endorsed departure were quashed.
Now, what happens next?
On June 11 and 18, French citizens will once again head to the polls for two rounds of voting to elect the country's 577 members of parliament.
The June elections will be the first test of Macron's presidential authority. The independent En Marche movement currently has no parliamentary seats, and without parliamentary backing Macron will be unable to enact his reform proposals.
[DOUGLAS WEBBER, Insead Professor of Political Science] "He now has the tough challenge ahead of him trying to win the majority in the parlimentary elections in the middle of June, and by no means in short, he will manage this. He's gonna have a honeymoon period for a little while, so there's a chance he might get that."
David Roche, President & Global Strategist of Independent Strategy, told CNBC that many voters see Macron having enormous advantages of not being one of the traditional parties, and his youth and image of renewal could help him win the parliament election.
[DAVID ROCHE, Independent Strategy Ltd President & Global Strategist] "And I think that gives him enormous power to make deals in the assembly when the assemly election takes places on June 11. I think what we wil find is he will have a relatively easy passage to make the forms of alliance, that would allow him to implement his reform plans, not only reform plans in France, but also his European vision."
CNBC's Qian Chen, reporting from Singapore.