inauguration day
Emmanuel Macron sworn in as president of France
Emmanuel Macron was sworn in as the new president of France on Sunday, one week after his decisive victory over nationalist Marine Le Pen. At just 39, the centrist, pro-European Union Macron is France's youngest leader since Napoleon Bonaparte. He founded his own political party just one year ago and has never before held elected office.
"The world and Europe need France more than ever. They need a strong France that is sure of its destiny. A France that upholds freedom and solidarity," Macron said in his inauguration speech. "We will take all our responsibilities to provide, every time it's needed, a relevant response to big contemporary crises."
Macron's speech addressed fighting terrorism, strengthening the European Union, and dealing with challenges like climate change and "the excesses of capitalism in the world."