The controversial leader said the result “confirms the new nationalist-globalist division in France and beyond”. Her National Rally party recorded around 24 percent of the vote, which was slightly down on 2014 but higher than Mr Macron’s Renaissance group on 22.5 percent. The victory was the latest in a series of victories for parties and politicians on the right.
Mr Macron said in a statement there was “some disappointment” that his party had lost first place in the polls to Ms Le Pen.
Ms Le Pen’s group was still jubilated to win, despite the slight decrease in votes.
According to Politico, Jordan Bardella, from the RN, said: “The French people have clearly punished the president tonight, and taught him a lesson in humility.
“Tonight, it’s him and his policies who have been rejected.”
He added: “The European Union defended by the president of the republic is disavowed tonight.
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“The EU must now give another orientation to its policy in terms of social issues, economy and migration.”
Officials were in shock at the staggering rise of anti-EU right-wing politicians set represent citizens in the European Parliament.
Renaissance built on the ruins of centre-left and centre-right parties, added to gains for liberals at the EU level as turnout bounced sharply across the bloc.
Along with a surge for the Greens, that meant four groups occupying the pro-EU middle ground lost under 20 seats, securing 505 seats out of 751, according to a projection by the European Parliament.
In the UK, Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party claimed top spot, striking fear into parties such as Labour and the Conservatives.
Following his victory, he said: “In the process they have acquired 28 of the first 64 UK seats to be awarded.
“If Britain does not leave the EU on October 31st, these results will be repeated at a general election.
“History has been made.”