Power handover ceremony between Chirac, Sarkozy

France's new President Nicolas Sarkozy (R) shakes hands with outgoing President Jacques Chirac before the handover ceremony at the Elysee Palace in Paris May 16, 2007.

France's new President Nicolas Sarkozy (L) escorts outgoing President Jacques Chirac after the handover ceremony at the Elysee Palace in Paris, May 16, 2007.

Cecicla Sarkozy, wife of the new French President Nicolas Sarkozy, and their son Louis enter the Elysee Palace Wednesday May 16, 2007 in Paris. Sarkozy officially taook office Wednesday as France's new president, replacing Jacques Chirac in an elaborate ceremony at the Elysee Palace.

France's new President Nicolas Sarkozy (L) watches former President Jacques Chirac's departure following the handover ceremony at the Elysee Palace in Paris, May 16, 2007.