Emmanuel Macron, 39, says France is on 'the verge of a great renaissance' and has 'chosen hope' as he becomes the nation's youngest ever president with his wife Brigitte, 64, by his side

Speaking as France's 25th leader, Emmanuel Macron has insisted the country is 'on the verge of a great renaissance'. He said the 'world and Europe now, more than ever, need a strong France' and that his mandate 'will be to give French people confidence in themselves'. After greeting outgoing president Francois Hollande (left and centre) on the steps of the grand Elysee Palace (inset), he posed for pictures with his wife Brigitte (right), 64, who was his high school drama teacher. She arrived separately for the ceremony wearing a light blue Louis Vuitton outfit. Macron was wearing a dark suit from French brand Jonas and Cie, a tailor based in Paris, that cost £380. Following the ceremony and military honours at the Elysee palace, Mr Macron will go the Tomb of the Unknown soldier, at the Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs-Elysees Avenue - a tradition followed by all heads of states in France's modern history.