France: Emmanuel Macron promises unity as he assumes Presidential Office

PARIS – Emmanuel Macron was sworn in as French president on Sunday in a solemn ceremony held at the Elysee Palace.

The Republica en Marcha (Republic on March) movement 39-year-old leader, became the eighth head of state of France, and the youngest leader since Napoleon Bonaparte.

Read more: Emmanuel Macron defeats Marine Le Pen to become youngest French president

Emmanuel Macron was welcomed by the outgoing leader Francois Hollande at 10:00 a.m., and both held an official meeting that lasted for over an hour.

According to French tradition, in the interview both had to debate on strategic and top-priority issues.

Following the meeting, Macron saw Hollande off at the Elysee Palace’s courtyard and then headed for the swearing-in official ceremony at the ballroom.

Laurent Fabius, president of the Constitutional Council, officially proclaimed the results of the presidential election, in which Macron won French presidency with over 66 percent , and a 30-point lead against the right-wing extremist Marine Le Pen.

Macron, upon being sworn in as French president, gave a very solemn speech acknowledging how difficult the next five-year task will be.

“We have to build the world our youth deserves. Nothing will be granted to ease or pledge. Nothing will force me to give up championing France’s best interests,” he stressed.

The head of state added that “the world expects us to be strong, solid, and clairvoyant. We will take all of our responsibilities to respond to major contemporary crises”.