Emmanuel Macron defeated known conservative sympathizer and Putin ally Marine Le Pen to retain the French Presidency, winning by double digits for the second time. This election was especially important for western powers who were concerned that a new wave of fascism and far-right thinking was beginning to overtake Europe. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine highlighted this issue, especially as Le Pen has clear ties to Russia, does not cast favor on NATO, and has been hostile to the EU in the past. While France rests easily after the victory, other western nations are on the lookout for extreme conservative parties that could take power, even the U.S., which is facing a looming 2022 midterm election cycle. Further cause for concern comes from obvious voter apathy in recent elections worldwide and an increase in votes for Le Pen, who also lost to Macron in 2018.