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Sarkozy to take office in France | Sarkozy to take office in France |
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French President-elect Nicolas Sarkozy has arrived at the Elysee Palace for the ceremony where he will take over from President Jacques Chirac. | French President-elect Nicolas Sarkozy has arrived at the Elysee Palace for the ceremony where he will take over from President Jacques Chirac. |
The new centre-right president succeeds Mr Chirac, his former mentor, after defeating the Socialists' Segolene Royal in the 6 May run-off. | The new centre-right president succeeds Mr Chirac, his former mentor, after defeating the Socialists' Segolene Royal in the 6 May run-off. |
Mr Chirac is to hand over the launch codes of France's nuclear arsenal. | Mr Chirac is to hand over the launch codes of France's nuclear arsenal. |
On Tuesday he bade farewell to the nation in a televised address after 12 years in power. | On Tuesday he bade farewell to the nation in a televised address after 12 years in power. |
The BBC's Paris correspondent Caroline Wyatt notes that Mr Chirac leaves behind unemployment of more than 8% and a nation uncertain of its place in the world and divided over its future. | The BBC's Paris correspondent Caroline Wyatt notes that Mr Chirac leaves behind unemployment of more than 8% and a nation uncertain of its place in the world and divided over its future. |
Symbolic acts | Symbolic acts |
Mr Chirac will leave the Elysee for good after a ceremony transferring power to Mr Sarkozy at 1100 (0900 GMT). | Mr Chirac will leave the Elysee for good after a ceremony transferring power to Mr Sarkozy at 1100 (0900 GMT). |
CHIRAC'S LEGACY Unemployment 8.3%, lowest for 25 yearsSluggish economic growthSocial tensions, especially in deprived Paris suburbsChampioned failed European constitutionLed French opposition to invasion of Iraq The house that Jacques built | CHIRAC'S LEGACY Unemployment 8.3%, lowest for 25 yearsSluggish economic growthSocial tensions, especially in deprived Paris suburbsChampioned failed European constitutionLed French opposition to invasion of Iraq The house that Jacques built |
The two men shook hands and are now holding brief private talks. | |
Then the new president will make a speech before attending a military parade, complete with a 21-gun salute. | |
Mr Sarkozy will later visit the Arc de Triomphe to rekindle the flame of the unknown soldier, before laying a wreath the spot where German troops shot French resistance members in World War II. | |
He will then travel to Berlin to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel, a key ally and the current president of the European Union. | He will then travel to Berlin to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel, a key ally and the current president of the European Union. |
Mr Sarkozy, 52, is not expected to name his prime minister and cabinet until Thursday. | Mr Sarkozy, 52, is not expected to name his prime minister and cabinet until Thursday. |
A former minister, Francois Fillon, is expected be made prime minister. | A former minister, Francois Fillon, is expected be made prime minister. |
Reports also suggest that a senior member of the defeated Socialist party, Bernard Kouchner, is a leading candidate for the post of foreign minister. | Reports also suggest that a senior member of the defeated Socialist party, Bernard Kouchner, is a leading candidate for the post of foreign minister. |