[WATCH] Joseph Muscat sworn in as Prime Minister as crowds cheer him across Valletta
People began gathering in Valletta as early as 8am, awaiting the arrival of Labour leader Joseph Muscat, reconfirmed Prime Minister for a second term
5 June 2017, 8:50am
Matthew Agius
Matthew Agius
2 min read
Joseph Muscat taking his oath as Prime Minister for a second consecutive term in office
Joseph Muscat, with his wife Michelle and their twin daughters Etoile and Soleil, making their way down Republic Street in Valletta
Labour supporters have descended on Valletta for the swearing in of party leader Joseph Muscat (Photos: James Bianchi / MaltaTday)
Crowds gathered in Valletta this morning burst into an impromptu rendition of the Innu Malti after Labour Party leader Joseph Muscat took his oath as Prime Minister of Malta for the second consecutive term in office.
In a brief comment after being sworn in, Muscat reiterated his pledge to work to reunifying the country and heal the political divide that became apparent during the election campaign.
Thousands of supporters filled St George's Square to capacity and lined Republic Street as Labour Party leader Joseph Muscat, accompanied by his wife Michelle and their twin daughters Soleil and Etoile, made their way down Republic Street towards St George's Square, where Muscat will be sworn in for his second term as Prime Minister of Malta.
Thousands others, many carrying Malta or Labour party flags - and most dressed in red and white - are also congregating in Castille Square, where Muscat will go after being sworn in.
Photos: Chris Mangion / MaltaToday
The principal permanent secretary Mario Cutajar (left) arrives at the Palace with Keith Schembri, the OPM chief of staff
A big screen was also set up in St George's Square, allowing the crowd to follow Muscat's movements.
Traffic into Valletta is crawling a long slowly as a long stream of vehicles, trucks and buses, filled with even more supporters, make their way to the capital in an impromptu carcade.
Muscat is expected to meet President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca before going up to the Ambassadors' Hall for the swearing in ceremony.
The President has already met Chief Electoral Commissioner Joseph Church who presented her with the official results of the first-round count of votes.
Muscat swept to victory yesterday, in a snap election called almost a year early, in which the Labour party maintained its seemingly unassailable 38,000-vote lead, despite it being dogged by a number of scandals in past months.
His second term in office will be the 13th legislature since Malta gained independence.
Matthew Agius was Senior Reporter on Law and Court Affairs at MaltaToday from 2014 to 2024...
