Anibal Cavaco Silva swears over constitution during ceremony in Lisbon, Thursday

Former Portuguese Prime Minister Anibal Cavaco Silva was sworn-in Thursday as the country's first center-right president in 32 years.

A number of foreign dignitaries attended the inauguration, including former U.S. President George H.W. Bush.

Mr. Cavaco Silva has promised to revitalize Portugal's economy. He says he is entirely ready to cooperate with the ruling Socialists to achieve his goals.

The country has been suffering with high unemployment and less than one percent economic growth.

The Portuguese president has no executive powers, but does have the authority to dissolve parliament, appoint prime ministers, and veto laws.

Mr. Cavaco Silva was elected in January. He is Portugal's first conservative president since the country became a democracy in 1974.