Macri vows to rule Argentina with consensus, honesty

As indication of a serious and increasingly personal dispute, the outgoing president Cristina Fernandez had disagreed with the arrangements for the handover of power, saying it was a waste of time for Macri to take the oath of office at Congress and then travel to the Casa Rosada presidential palace to receive the presidential sash and scepter.

An effusive Macri also thanked his supporters for their votes, and said “I love you, I love this country, for you and with you we are going to build the Argentina we want”.

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”.

He stated that “mendacity about and hiding” the state of the financial system had tarnished Argentina’s fame worldwide, a transparent dig on the Fernandez administration, which frequently put out suspect figures on inflation, poverty charges and GDP.

“I will always be honest with you”. 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. He also promised to be a leader “who listens more and talks less”, a clear contrast with Fernandez, who frequently blasted opponents during hours-long speeches.

In his first speech as president of Argentina, Mr. Macri appealed for unity and a new political culture. He additionally stated he would make good on his goal to realize “zero poverty” in the nation and be ruthless in cracking down on corruption.

It was a symbolic conclusion to the divisive Kirchner’s eight years in office, which were marked by her confrontational style and distaste for compromise.

Alternately exultant and emotional, Macri, 56, even began dancing on the balcony while Vice President Gabriela Michetti launched into a song.

“To believe that relations with Great Britain are limited to the Malvinas issue is to say the least an “over simplification”. but this does not mean we have to cancel all dialogue with the United Kingdom”.

The day after winning the November 22 elections, Macri said one of his priorities would be to seek the suspension of Venezuela from South American bloc Mercosur, alleging the country has violated democratic principles. The loans would be repaid by the monetary authority in a year, said one of the people.