France's Hollande says wants 'new path' in Europe
(PARIS) - French President Francois Hollande said he wanted to "open a new path" in Europe after his inauguration on Tuesday following his May 6 election victory.
"Such is the mandate I have received from the French people on May 6. Put France back on its feet with justice, open a new path in Europe, contribute to world peace and to the preservation of the planet," he said.
"I am addressing a message of confidence to the French people. We are a great country that has always risen to its challenges," he said, also vowing that he would run the country with "dignity and simplicity".
"I take stock today of the force of the pressures our country is under: massive debt, feeble growth, high unemployment, damaged competitiveness, a Europe that is struggling to get out of the crisis," Hollande told a select group of dignitaries at the Elysee Palace.
"Nothing is inevitable as long as we are driven by a common will, as long as a clear course has been set, and we apply all our strength and the assets of France."
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