BBC reported that, while Macri’s inauguration was met with merriment by his supporters, the event was boycotted by his predecessor, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, in a heated argument over the venue.
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After receiving a ceremonial scepter and sash at the Casa Rosada, the country’s presidential palace, Macri along with his wife Juliana Awada, 41, waved to supporters from a balcony at the palace.
Ms Fernandez insisted this should also take place in Congress and refused to attend either ceremony.
The exiting President defended her presidency’s record and that of her husband Nestor that lasted an overall 12 years and, in confirmation of political divergences with Macri, added “we believe in what we have achieved so we need to have a positive attitude to ensure that these things will not be destroyed”.
Her decision to skip Thursday’s inauguration ceremony was widely criticized; it was the first time since the country’s return to democracy in 1983 that an outgoing president has done so.
Macri promised to fight the nation’s growing illegal drug trade “as no president has before” and be ruthless in cracking down on corruption. The power couple sharply increased spending on social welfare programs while raising tariffs in attempts to protect local industries and aligning the country with leftist leaders like late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and Bolivian President Evo Morales.
Further on he admitted “all this can sound incredible after so many years of useless confrontations, but it is an exciting challenge”.
He also said he would improve relations with the United States and the worldwide financial community.
Argentina has sectors that think differently, but is not divided, citizens voted as they wished, some supported our vision, others other candidates, and this is good because they were able to chose in freedom.
Macri also confirmed that the State will look after everybody, “the State will be present where it is necessary, particularly with those that have less”. “There’s no ideological principle that can justify it. The assets of Argentina belong to all Argentines and not for the incorrect use and abuse of its employees”.
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“This government is going to work tirelessly over the next four years so that all Argentines, especially the most needy, will be living better at the end of that time”, Macri said after being sworn in at Congress in Buenos Aires.
