(CNN) -- Ollanta Humala, a left-leaning Peruvian politician who promises reforms in education and services to the poor, was sworn in as the nation's president Thursday. In his first address as president, Humala stressed equality, saying he wants Peru to be "a place where everyone enjoys the same rights to abundance and happiness." "Economic growth and social inclusion must march together," he said of his governing philosophy. He succeeds Alan Garcia, who oversaw a period of robust economic growth as president, but who nonetheless was unpopular and criticized for promoting business at the expense of indigenous groups and the environment.
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NEW:  Peru's new president stresses equality
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Humala is a former army officer
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He is a leftist who has moderated his stance
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He promises to spread the benefits of Peru's economic boom to the poor
In another minor controversy, the outgoing president, @placeholder, did not attend the swearing-in ceremony to pass the presidential sash to his successor.