PARIS (Reuters). Emmanuel Macron was sworn into office for the second term of his presidency in France on Saturday. The ceremony took place at Paris’ Elysee Palace. Following that, canons were fired at Invalides Gardens.

Macron was elected president in a country that rarely sees a re-elected president. He won 58.5% against Marine Le Pen’s far-right candidate, despite opposition to his business policies and proposal to increase the retirement age.

A short speech by him spoke about the need for innovation in a world of unimaginable challenges. He also stated that his second term would not be a continuation of his first.

“We must invent a different method together, far away from tired routines and habits, which can help us build a new productive social, ecological, and environmental contract,” he stated, promising respect and consideration.

He emphasized the danger posed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and global environmental issues.

Francois Hollande, Nicolas Sarkozy and former presidents were present as well as former prime ministers Edouard Philippe. Manuel Valls and Alain Juppe, Jean-Pierre Raffarin and religious leaders.

Macron’s induction marks both the closing of one election campaign and opening of another, for the June general elections.

Macron is likely to be denied a majority in the parliament by the newly unified political left. This coalition includes hard-left La France Insoumise as well as the Parti Socialiste and Greens.

On Saturday, the right-leaning Les Republicains would also hold a meeting of its national council.

Macron will pay a visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg Monday for “Europe Day”.

He travels to Berlin later in the week to see Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor, to make his first overseas trip since his inauguration.

Macron (44 years old) is the first president to not be part of a coalition to win re-election since 1958’s formation of the Fifth Republic.

Macron’s second term officially began on the night of May 13. His prime minister Jean Castex remains in office.