France has a new president and Arabs are sharing their thoughts

Emmanuel Macron was elected France's next president on Sunday, defeating far-right nationalist Marine Le Pen, Reuters reported. 

The centrist's victory was announced after he "won 66.06 percent of the vote with 99.99 percent of registered votes counted," France's interior ministry said.

His election brought relief to the European Union, whose members were concerned over Le Pen's plans to "free France" from the grips of Brussels. 

The victory also brought relief to millions of Arab and Muslim immigrants who live in France, and to people around the world who were concerned over Le Pen's Islamophobic rhetoric and her stance on numerous issues including immigration and refugees. 

Paris' central mosque said Macron's victory was a sign of reconciliation between the followers of the country's various faiths. 

"It is a clear sign of hope to French Muslims that they can live in harmony and respect of French values," La Grande Mosquée de Paris said in a statement.

As soon as the news was confirmed thousands took to social media to celebrate the victory. Arabs in specific had a lot to say and expressed their thoughts via the hashtag: #ماكرون (Macron). 

"Immigrants will get a good night's sleep in France tonight; the kind of sleep they never got in their homelands where dreams are out of reach and where racism rules." 

"Macron's political plans do not clash with the Arab or Islamic world, and his rhetoric prevents conflict between the French government and Muslims in France."  

"Congratulations to the people's president ... Emanuel. Now I can feel safe visiting France... Thank God racism did not win."  

"There's no doubt that Marine [Le Pen] has more strength, experience, and charisma when compared to Macron, but they want a puppet who caters to their positions and needs."  

"Democracy in the Arab world: rulers choose their people."  

"The French voted in the first and second rounds and counted their votes while LBCI still has the countdown to our election law on their screen." 

"I thought you were talking about macarons."  

"Just so you know that food always wins, even in politics."  

"Months of voting, elections and debates and after finally winning, this is what people are focusing on."