A law professor who has never before held political office was sworn in as Italy's new Prime Minister on Friday afternoon, ending almost three months of political uncertainty and bringing to power a new populist government.
Giuseppe Conte took an oath of loyalty to the Italian constitution in a gilded room in the Quirinal, Italy's presidential palace in Rome, reports the CNN
On Thursday evening Italy's President Sergio Mattarella had approved the government put forward by the right-wing League and anti-establishment Five Star Movement, which emerged as the two largest parties after an inconclusive election in March.
Conte's cabinet ministers -- including leaders of the League and Five Star -- have also been sworn in by Mattarella at the Quirinal.
After meeting with the outgoing premier Paolo Gentiloni, Conte will hold his first cabinet meeting later Friday. Conte and his new government will also face a confidence vote in parliament next week.
Speaking at the Quirinal Thursday evening, Conte pledged his new government would "work intensely to realize the political goals of our agreement" and "work with determination to improve the lives of all Italians."
The country's new populist, euroskeptic government is likely to be met with alarm by other European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who are both eager to push for further EU political and economic integration.
The League has also faced widespread criticism for xenophobic, anti-immigrant policies reminiscent of those forwarded by far-right parties across Europe, including Germany's AfD and France's National Front.
League leader Matteo Salvini, who promised during the election campaign to expel half a million illegal immigrants from Italy, has been sworn in as Italy's new interior minister, while Five Star leader Luigi Di Maio is now labor and economic development minister, a key position to fulfill his campaign promise of a universal basic income.
Thursday marked the second time in less than two weeks that Conte had been approved for the role of prime minister. After being appointed by Mattarella last Wednesday following his nomination by the League and Five Star, Conte was forced to abandon his attempt to form a government the next day after the president rejected his choice of finance minister.
BDST: 2110 HRS, JUNE 1, 2018
AP
