By Sylvie Corbett – The Associated Press
PARIS ( Associated Press) — French President Emmanuel Macron, inaugurated on Saturday for a second term, vowed to take action to prevent further escalation of Russia’s war in Ukraine and promised to put France and Europe on the world stage. will promote.
Macron was re-elected for a five-year term after winning the presidential race on April 24 against right-wing rival Marine Le Pen.
Macron said, “The time to come will be a time of resolute action for France and Europe,” promising to take sustained action with one goal, which is to become a more independent nation, to live better and to fight for its own French and European build. The answer to the challenges of the century.”
Macron sought to find a “fair way” to govern the country and reduce its social tensions by making the government and parliament work together with unions, associations and others from the political, economic, social and cultural worlds of France. promised too.
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“I will only have one compass: serving,” said Macron. “Serving our country … serving our fellow citizens … serving our children and our youth … to whom I pledge to entrust a more livable planet and a more livable and stronger France.”
For a comfortably speaking president for hours on end, Macron’s speech was surprisingly short – and handwritten. But afterward, they took the time to shake hands, kiss cheeks, and interact in person with the many guests.
While Macron has presided over strict lockdowns and coronavirus vaccine mandates since the pandemic broke out in France, most COVID-19 restrictions have now been lifted and there was no sign of masks or social distancing at the opening.
The event seemed unusually kid-friendly for French presidential celebrations, with many dignitaries bringing their children – and at least two children in strollers. Macron, 44, has no children of his own, but does have step-children and grandchildren, some of whom were there.
Upon arriving at Elysee’s reception hall, Macron turns a blind eye to his wife, Brigitte Macron.
About 500 guests were invited to the ceremony. They came primarily from the world of politics, although also included actors, health care workers, military officers, and former presidents François Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy. Despite the growing pressure for diversity in French politics, the majority of those who received a coveted invitation were white men in suits.
“I think there will be considerable difficulty,” said Hollande, a socialist who ran France from 2012 to 2017, listing issues related to the war in Ukraine, rising prices, declining purchasing power and climate.
“This means that responses will need to reach the challenges,” he said.
Hollande noted Macron’s message that he would seek new ways to govern as a good point, “not only because it will be a very difficult period, but also because France is so divided.”
After his speech, Macron went to the gardens of the Elysee palace and, in line with tradition, 21 gun shots were fired from Invalides Plaza to mark the event.
He also reviewed the army. Troops present at the ceremony included part of the crew of Monge, the second largest ship in the French Navy that is vital to France’s nuclear deterrent. It was specifically used for tests of France’s nuclear-capable submarine-launched M51 missiles.
The emblem can be seen as a show of force at a time when France is deeply involved in Russia’s efforts to stop Russia’s war against Ukraine, including sending truck-mounted cannon and other heavy weapons.
Macron’s second term formally begins on May 14.
Macron is expected to appoint a new government soon ahead of France’s key parliamentary election in June, which will decide who will control the majority of the 577 seats in the National Assembly.
Macron hopes that his party and centrist allies will be able to win a major victory in the run-up to the presidential election. At present they have more than 300 seats in the assembly.
This week, France’s long-divided leftist agreed to join a new coalition to counter Macron’s strategy and win parliamentary elections. The Socialist Party joined the Greens and the Communist Party and rode its wagon with the hard-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s France Unbold Party.
Mélenchon called on voters on Saturday to give a parliamentary victory to the left and make himself prime minister at the first meeting of the new coalition.
“There will be a popular union government… and that (Left) policies will be implemented,” he said.
Angela Charlton and Katherine Gaschka contributed to this story.
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