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Sarkozy takes office as president Sarkozy takes office as president
(30 minutes later)
France's new President Nicolas Sarkozy has taken office in the Elysee Palace, after waving goodbye to President Jacques Chirac. France's new President Nicolas Sarkozy has taken office at a ceremony in the Elysee Palace, 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 succeeded his former mentor after defeating the Socialists' Segolene Royal in the 6 May run-off election.
One of Mr Chirac's tasks was to hand over the launch codes of France's nuclear arsenal. Mr Sarkozy stressed that "now change is needed" in France, in his inaugural speech, and called for national unity.
On Tuesday he bade farewell to the nation in a televised address. France "needs to take risks and follow initiatives," he said.
The country also needed to "rehabilitate the values of work, effort, merit and respect" and defeat intolerance, he said.
A 21-gun salute marked his assumption of the presidency, after a brief private conversation with Mr Chirac.
One of Mr Chirac's last tasks was to hand over the launch codes of France's nuclear arsenal.
'We need results'
Mr Sarkozy was accompanied at the ceremony by his wife Cecilia, wearing an eye-catching golden dress, and other family members - their son Louis and four children from their previous marriages.
Red carpet welcome: The Elysee is redolent of France's imperial pastIn his speech Mr Sarkozy attacked racism and stressed that "order and authority is needed" to deal with security challenges.
"We need results because the French people in their daily lives need improvements... We need to invent new solutions."
He vowed to "defend the independence of France and the identity of France".
He also called for "a Europe that protects" and the development of "a Mediterranean union".
On Tuesday, Mr Chirac bade farewell to the nation in a televised address.
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 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 acts 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 had brief private talks with Mr Sarkozy before leaving the palace.
Mr Sarkozy reviewed a line-up of the national guard upon arrival at the Elysee. His wife Cecilia and other family members were present.
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.
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.