New Romanian President sworn-in

(Vatican Radio) Romania's Parliament has sworn in the first ethnic German as president of the former Communist nation, at a time when the country remembers the 25th anniversary of a bloody revolution that ended decades of Communist dictatorship. 

Former mayor Klaus Iohannis promised a different style from the combative outgoing president Traian Basescu. 

Listen to the report by Stefan Bos:
 
Romanian Orthodox Patriarch Daniel prayed for his presidency as the country faces major challenges. The blessing in front of Parliament in Bucharest came after the 55-year-old Pro-Western Iohannis was sworn in as Romania's president Sunday. 

The center right politician told the joint session of the lower house and senate that he becomes president following "an election that was a triumph for democracy, 25 years after communism ended."

Speaking in the blue-and-gold domed hall of the parliament building built by former communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, he also said there is need for "the whole political class to understand there is no other way for Romania except that of a country rid of corruption." 

POWERFUL NATION 

He said he wanted to turn one of the European Union's poorest countries into a "powerful nation." 

Iohannis explained that he wanted to that at the end of his term people can see we made durable laws, solid institutions."

He surprisingly defeated Prime Minister Victor Ponta last month's run-off ballot.

Analysts say he tapped into anger from thousands of overseas voters who were unable to cast their ballots in the first round.

UNUSUAL POLITICS

Iohannis has promised unusual Romanian politics. 

The slow-speaking ethnic German mayor of Sibiu refuses to participate in bitter personal attacks.

And he promised good relations with the U.S. the EU and particularly Germany.

After he arrived at Cotroceni Palace, the headquarters and residence of the president of Romania, he received honors at a ceremony attended by his predecessor Traian Basescu. 

Yet he appeared somewhat uncomfortable in his new role, visibly realizing the challenges ahead.