Italy's coalition government sworn in

By Ecenur Colak

ROME (AA) – Italy’s populist coalition government was sworn in on Friday nearly three months after an inconclusive March 4 general election.

The swearing-in ceremony for the 18 ministers of the new coalition government -- which was forged by the far-right Northern League and anti-establishment Five-Star Movement, the two biggest winners of the elections -- took place at the presidential palace in the presence of President Sergio Mattarella.

Giuseppe Conte was also sworn in as Italy’s prime minister.

Following the searing-in ceremony, the new government headed to the prime minister’s office for the hand-over ceremony.

The new government is expected to seek a vote of confidence in parliament on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Italy’s populist parties on Thursday agreed to form a coalition government, nearly three months after an inconclusive March 4 general election.

The coalition deal between the Northern League and the Five-Star Movement ended the prospect of new elections.

Lega Nord leader Matteo Salvini was named interior minister while the head of the Five Star Movement, Luigi Di Maio, became labor and economic development minister.

In the March election, no party or coalition had received enough votes to form a government on its own.