10 things you need to know today: May 15, 2012

France's president is sworn in, News Corp's Rebekah Brooks will be charged, and more in our roundup of the stories that are making news and driving opinion

A July 2011 file photo of Rebekah Brooks
(Image credit: AP Photo/Sang Tan, File)

1. HOLLANDE SWORN IN AS FRENCH PRESIDENT

Francois Hollande was sworn in as France's new president on Tuesday, amid fresh concerns over European debt. The country's first Socialist president since 1995, Hollande has criticized the austerity measures built into bailout plans for flailing countries like Greece and Ireland. At his inauguration, he stressed the importance of stimulating economic growth. After his swearing in, Hollande will head to Berlin to meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, a vocal advocate of fiscal restraint who is also known for having a close partnership with Hollande's conservative predecessor, Nicolas Sarkozy. [CNN]

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