Macron sworn in as new president of France, promises unity

May 14 (UPI) -- Emmanuel Macron promised unity as he was sworn in as France's newest president on Sunday. The independent centrist also promised to restore France's standing in the world.

"My mandate will give the French back the confidence to believe in themselves," President Macron told the audience during the inauguration ceremony at Élysée Palace in Paris.

Macron beat out far-right favorite Marine Le Pen in France's May 7 election. The former investment banker earned 66 percent of the run-off vote. The final vote tally was announced during Sunday's proceedings.

At just 39 years of age, Macron is France's youngest president in history.

"The division and fractures in our society must be overcome," Macron said. "The world and Europe need more than ever France, and a strong France, which speaks out loudly for freedom and solidarity."

Macron said his approach would not to be a politics as usual. He also promised to bolster the economy and pledged to tackle problems such as global warming and the "excesses of capitalism."

Security was tight as Macron was sworn in in front of an audience of around 300, including his wife, his parents and his wife's children. France has been rocked by a series of terrorist attacks over the last two years, including the gunning down of three police officers on the steps of the Champs-Elysees just days prior to the first round of the presidential vote in April.

After his swearing in, Macron set out for the Arc de Triomphe, where he laid a wreath and paid respects at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. His inauguration will conclude with a final ceremony at Paris City Hall.