Macri sworn in as new president of Argentina

It finally took place at the presidential palace, with Federico Pinedo, a lawmaker in Macri’s party, serving as acting president and conducting the formalities. “Today a dream is being achieved”, Macri said as he took the oath of office 15 minutes ahead of schedule.

Macri, who was sworn in Thursday, has an opportunity to not only diversify Argentina’s energy outlook beyond hydrocarbons, but to develop the country’s lethargic renewable sector.

“We have enormous challenges that we are not going to solve overnight, but with small daily steps”, he concluded.

The 56-year-old Macri set out his agenda for change: “This government will know how to defend freedom, which is essential for democracy”, he said. Most members of the Lower House from her Victory Front (the single largest group did comply) but this was not the case with the Senate, where allegedly Cristina Fernandez enjoys a clear majority.

Thomson ReutersArgentina’s President Macri is greeted by Ecuador’s President Rafael Correa in Buenos AiresBUENOS AIRES (Reuters) – Latin America’s left-wing leaders may expect a more complicated relationship with Argentina’s new, conservative president Mauricio Macri than with his predecessor, but none likely expected nearly “bringing him down” on his first day in office.

Wearing the presidential sash, holding the official baton in his hand and accompanied by his third wife, designer Juliana Awada, and the couple’s young daughter, Antonia, the scion of one of the country’s leading industrial dynasties said that his team has “a great calling to have Argentines live better”.

Macri won a tight presidential race in November, beating ruling party candidate Daniel Scioli by less than 3 points to succeed outgoing president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, who did not attend the ceremony.

The country’s economy is stagnating with 25 percent inflation, low foreign investment, shrinking dollar reserves and rising poverty.

He vowed to work “tirelessly for you in these coming four years”.

He also said he would improve relations with the United States and the global financial community. “We need to overcome the phase of confrontations”, he stated.