AP
Jean-Marie Le Pen casts his ballot at St. Cloud, near Paris

 Politicians and officials across the continent voiced strong criticism Monday of the ultranationalist's electoral success, saying his extremist xenophobic agenda endangers France's democratic ideals.

 Mr. Le Pen took 17 percent of Sunday's vote in what is the strongest-ever showing by any far-right candidate in a presidential election, trailing incumbent President Jacques Chirac by only three percentage points.

 Although far-right leaders in several European countries hailed Mr. Le Pen's electoral success, government officials from Greece, Sweden, Germany and Britain slammed the ultranationalist politician.

 Exit polls say the anti-immigrant Mr. Le Pen won many votes thanks to a campaign that focused on law-and-order issues and insecurity.

 French media called the results of Sunday's vote a political earthquake, as spontaneous demonstrations broke out in several French cities Sunday to denounce Mr. Le Pen's electoral success. London's Sun newspaper referred to a "day of shame for France."

 Early polls, however, indicate President Chirac will win the May 5 runoff election, where he may receive 77-80 percent of the vote.
 
 

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.

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