Inauguration

An inauguration is a ceremony of formal investiture whereby an individual assumes an office or position of authority or power. The term is usually used in reference to a politician's assumption of the duties of head of state or head of government (e.g. the President's inauguration). An "inaugural address" is the presidential speech given at this ceremony which informs the people of their intentions as a leader. Political inaugurations often have lavish ceremonies, in which the politician publicly takes his or her oath of office in front of a large crowd of spectators. The term inauguration may also refer to a formal beginning or introduction (e.g. the inauguration of a new Canada–United States border crossing).

State and religious leaders who are inaugurated

• King of Spain
• The Pope
• President of the French Republic
• President of Ireland—11 November, unless term of predecessor shortened by death, resignation or removal from office
• President of the United States—January 20, following an election year (or instantly in case of the preceding President's death, resignation, or removal from office)

• Prime Minister of Canada - two weeks after the general elections or the political party leadership election that made him or her Prime Minister.
• Monarchy of the Netherlands
• President of Ukraine
• President of Russian Federation
• President of Argentina
• President of Brazil—January 1, since 1995, unless term of predecessor shortened by death, resignation or removal from office
• President of Italy
• President of the Philippines

See also

• Coronation

External Links

• Gaelic Inauguration