Macron inaugurated for second term
FRENCH President Emmanuel Macron vowed a new start to face immense challenges in foreign and domestic policy, as he was inaugurated for a second term on Saturday after his election victory over the far right.
In a ceremony at the Élysée Palace, Macron was confirmed by Constitutional Council chief Laurent Fabius as the winner of the election last month and then signed the formal reinvestiture document.
Attended by 450 people, including his predecessors Francois Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy, the ceremony was modest.
Macron faces a daunting agenda of implementing the reforms he vowed when he came to power as France’s youngest-ever president in 2017, as well as dealing with the Russian assault against Ukraine.
He vowed to be a “new president” for a “new mandate” and create a “stronger France”.
“Every day of the mandate that lies ahead I will have just one compass point, and that is to serve.”
He promised a more inclusive and understanding style of governing after his first term saw critics complain that the former investment banker had abrasive and arrogant methods.
In a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages, 21 cannon shots were fired from the Invalides military memorial complex to celebrate the inauguration. With no drive down the Avenue des Champs-Élysée or long red carpet, the ceremony resembled the re-inaugurations of Francois Mitterrand in 1988 and Jacques Chirac in 2002, the last French president to win a second term.
Macron’s second term will start officially when the first one expires at midnight on May 13.
Macron must deal with the crisis over the rising cost of living and also brace for possible protests when he finally tackles his cherished pension reform, raising France’s retirement age.
He reaffirmed a vow for employment in France and vowed to reform the health and school systems.
The ceremony comes at a time of political flux in the wake of Macron’s election victory, as France gears up for legislative polls that swiftly follow in June.
Macron is expected to name a new premier in place of incumbent Jean Castex to lead a revamped government into the elections, but not until his second term officially kicks off.