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Sarkozy to take office in France Sarkozy to take office in France
(10 minutes later)
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 is taking over at the Elysee Palace in a ceremony, after waving goodbye to 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. One of Mr Chirac's tasks was 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.
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.
Red carpet welcome: The Elysee is redolent of France's imperial pastSymbolic actsRed carpet welcome: The Elysee is redolent of France's imperial pastSymbolic acts
Mr Chirac will leave the Elysee in Paris for good after the ceremony transferring power to Mr Sarkozy. He had brief private talks with Mr Sarkozy before leaving the palace.
The two men shook hands and are now holding brief private talks.
Mr Sarkozy reviewed a line-up of the national guard upon arrival at the Elysee. His wife Cecilia and other family members were present.Mr Sarkozy reviewed a line-up of the national guard upon arrival at the Elysee. His wife Cecilia and other family members were present.
He will make a speech before attending a military parade, complete with a 21-gun salute. A 21-gun salute marked his assumption of the presidency, and Mr Sarkozy is now delivering his inauguration speech.
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 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.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 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.