France:President Jacques Chirac bade farewell to the people of France last night in a brief televised address. Wearing a grey suit and striped tie, against the backdrop of French and European flags and the gardens of the Élysée Palace, Mr Chirac exhorted his "dear compatriots" to have pride and confidence in their country.
"Tomorrow, I shall transfer the powers that I exercised in your name to Nicolas Sarkozy, our new president of the republic," Mr Chirac began. "I shall do it with pride in a duty accomplished, and also with great confidence in the future of our country."
There was something old-fashioned about the tricolour flag with the words "Declaration of the President of the Republic" in gold filigree letters that first appeared on the screen, to the opening bars of the national anthem. Though he smiled cheerfully, Mr Chirac has aged dramatically since coming to power 12 years ago.
"We have inherited a great nation, an admired and respected nation that counts in Europe and the world," Mr Chirac continued.
"You have immense capacities for creativity and solidarity. Thanks to you, thanks to your engagement, we have modernised our country." Mr Chirac's failure to modernise France, in particular its economy, is the criticism most often levelled against his two terms in office.
On the other hand, Mr Chirac has been praised for his refusal to pit different segments of the French population against each other. His successor is seen as a far more divisive figure.
"A nation is a family. This tie that binds us is our most precious possession . . . Always remain united and show solidarity," he warned.
United, he said, "France will show itself to be an exemplary land of progress and prosperity." It had been "a very great honour" to serve the people of France, Mr Chirac said. "I want to tell you the power of the bond which, from the bottom of my heart, unites me with each and every one of you. This bond is that of respect, admiration and affection. . . I have confidence in you . . . I have confidence in France.
"All my wishes accompany Nicolas Sarkozy in this mission," Mr Chirac concluded, telling the French one last time to be proud of "this magnificent nation that we share".
The transfer of power between Mr Chirac and Mr Sarkozy can be seen live from the Élysée Palace on TV5Monde from 10am until 11.30am Dublin time today. Further ceremonies will be broadcast live from 1pm until 1.50pm.