France: Emmanuel Macron sworn in for second term

French President Emmanuel Macron was sworn into office for a second term on Saturday after his election victory over far-right rival Marine Le Pen.

Speaking at the investiture ceremony at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Macron promised to "first take action to avoid further escalation following Russia's aggression in Ukraine."

In his short speech to nearly 500 invited guests, the president spoke of the need to innovate at a time of unprecedented challenges for the world.

He said his second term would be "new" and not merely a continuation of his first five years in office.

Macron answered criticism from many voters,who say he came across as out of touch and arrogant during his first term. He promised to act with "respect" and "consideration."

He also vowed to "build a planet that is more livable, a France that is more alive and a stronger France."

"We will take action relentlessly with a goal, which is to be a more independent nation, to live better and to build our own French and European responses to the century's challenges," Macron said.

He also spoke of making schools more inclusive and making the health system more accessible.

Macron's main domestic challenge will be the cost-of-living crisis amid plans to introduce changes to France's pensions system, raising the retirement age.