Emmanuel Macron calls for 'action in face of fears and fractures' as he is sworn in for second term

Emmanuel Macron called on France to unite around his pro-european vision as he was inaugurated as president ahead of weeks of meetings with fellow leaders across the continent. In a short handwritten speech, the 44-year-old warned France and the continent facing severe and immediate challenges - from the climate crisis to the neighboring war in Ukraine. "The time ahead will be that of resolute action for France and for Europe," he said, cementing his vision as a pro-European Union, pro-NATO leader in the face of growing Euroscepticism across the bloc. Macron promised to find a “fair method” to ease such tensions, promising that the government would work closely together with unions, associations, and others from the political, economic, social, and cultural world.