Emmanuel Macron has been inaugurated as France’s president, and will immediately face daunting challenges to rejuvenate the economy and breathe new life into the beleaguered European Union.
Macron, a 39-year-old centrist, took over on Sunday from President Francois Hollande, the socialist whose five years in power were plagued by stubborn unemployment and attacks.
Macron - France’s youngest ever president - beat his far-right rival Marine Le Pen to the presidency, winning more than 65 percent of the vote on May 7.
In his first speech as president, Macron said France had chosen “hope”.
“The whole world has watched our presidential election,” he said. “The responsibility with which they have entusted me is an honour. The world and Europe have today, more than ever, a need for France. They want a France that is sure of its destiny.
“The world needs what French men and woman have always taught it, freedom, equality and fraternity.”
He said France was not in decline, but at the start of an “extraordinary renaissance”, adding he would boost employment, protect companies and engage with French people who feel ignored.
“Republican secularism will be defended,” he said. “We must find the deep meaning of what unites us today ... France is only strong if it is prosperous.”
Hollande is delighted at the election of the former investment banker.
-Al Jazeera
-Agencies
