Prime Joseph Muscat called for unity after he was sworn in as the Prime Minister following his resounding victory in the general election on 3 June.
He announced that his cabinet will be announced this coming Friday, however he insisted that it could be delayed or brought forward by a day, depending on circumstances.
He said the cabinet will include new functions and remits which better reflect the needs of the population.
On Parliament, he said that it would most likely run through till August, and would hear the first readings of the Marriage Equality bill.
PM at Castille 05JUN2017 from The Malta Independent on Vimeo.
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PM from Palace balcony from The Malta Independent on Vimeo.
Large crowds had gathered to see Joseph Muscat sworn in as Malta's 14th Prime Minister since Independence, who sang the national anthem proudly after the ceremony
The PL yesterday won another landslide victory, obtaining over 55% of the vote. It won by a margin of 35,280 votes.
During his speech after his swearing-in, the Prime Minister once again called for unity following the “divisive election campaign”.
Quoting the President’s post election message, Dr Muscat said that “we are a family, we work together, we are one country.”
He maintained that the large electoral result places a responsibility on the government to achieve national unity.
“We are ready to work with those political forces and people that are ready to put Malta first.”
“We have a strong mandate that will move the country forward.”
Prime Minister arriving at Palace for swearing-in cermony from The Malta Independent on Vimeo.
The Prime Minister's walk down Republic Street with his wife and two children was met with ecstatic cheering from the crowd.
In an odd move, it was the children who primarily shook the hands of the people behind the barriers, who were chanting and singing their father's name.
The celebratory supporters also sang the national anthe
High ranking members of the Labour Party have also arrived at the Grandmaster’s Palace.
The Home Affairs Minister of the last legislature said that positivity won the election, and that the people could tangibly feel the successes of this government.
MP Silvio Schembri told the One journalist that the election was a ‘win for the population’, and that it send a clear message that the population did not want negativity.
Health Minister Chris Fearne, who got elected off the 3rd and 4th districts, said that he was proven right after he was mocked when he had predicted a 40,000 margin between the parties.
“It is a marvellous victory, that allows us to continue our mandate. However, it is important to keep our feet on the ground.”
Ian Refalo, Louis Grech, Chris Cardona, PL President Daniel Micallef have also arrived at the celebration.
Today's ceremony started at 11am at the Presidential Palace, where Dr Muscat will take the oath. He is then expected to address the crowds from the balcony overlooking St George's Square.
Chief Electoral Commissioner Joseph Church has already presented the official result of the first count votes of the 2017 General Election to President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca.
Keith Schembri has also attended the swearing in ceremony, it is as of yet unknown whether or not he will remain the PM’s chief of staff.
Mr Schembri said on social media that he looked forward working with the government for the next five years, indicating that he could have a role within the next legislature.
The Malta Independent will be covering this event live.
Photos: Baskal Mallia Videos: Matthew Agius
