Video: Francois Hollande inaugurated as French president Mr Hollande, Gen Georgelin and other officials then walked through the palace for the main inauguration, in which Mr Hollande received the National Order of the Legion of Honour and signed a certificate. Mr Hollande was declared president after the head of the constitutional court read out the final results of the May 6 election. In his first presidential speech, the Socialist leader promised to fight financial speculation and "open a new path" in Europe but acknowledged that he inherits huge government debt. He vowed to push back against austerity measures championed by Germany amid Europe's debt crisis and wants government stimulus instead. Mr Hollande also pledged to bring "dignity" to the presidential role - something voters felt that Sarkozy did not always do.