39-Year-Old Macron Sworn in as New French President

Emmanuel Macron, 39, has been inaugurated as France’s president and pledged to overcome division in societies.

PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 14: Outgoing French President Francois Hollande welcomes newly elected French president Emmanuel Macron prior to a handover ceremony at the Elysee Presidential Palace on May 14, 2017 in Paris, France. Macron was elected President of the French Republic on May 07, 2017 with 66,1 % of the votes cast. (Photo by Thierry Chesnot/Getty Images)

Mr. Macron, a centrist, took over on Sunday from President Francois Hollande, the socialist whose five years in power were plagued by stubborn unemployment and attacks.

Mr. Macron – France’s youngest ever president – beat his far-right rival Marine Le Pen to the presidency, winning more than 65 per cent of the May 7 vote.

“The whole world has watched our presidential election,” Mr. Macron said in his inaugural speech as president, which took place at the Elysee Presidential Palace.

He added that “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 that he would boost employment, protect companies and engage with French people who feel ignored.

“Republican secularism will be defended. We must find the deep meaning of what unites us today … France is only strong if it is prosperous.”

Francois Hollande is delighted at the election of the former investment banker.

Mr. Hollande launched Macron’s political career, and brought him from the world of investment banking to be an advisor and then his economic minister.

“I am not handing over power to a political opponent, it’s far simpler,” Mr. Hollande said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Macron is expected to reveal the closely-guarded name of his prime minister on Monday before flying to Berlin to meet German Chancellor, Angela Merkel.

It is virtually a rite of passage for French leaders to make their first European trip to meet the leader of the other half of the so-called “motor” of the EU.

Pro-EU Macron wants to push for closer cooperation to help the bloc overcome the imminent departure of Britain, another of its most powerful members.

(Reuters/NAN)