[WATCH] Busuttil sworn in as Leader of the Opposition

PN leader Simon Busuttil was this evening sworn in as Leader of the Opposition at the Palace in Valletta.

In a brief ceremony led by the President of Malta George Abela, Busuttil took his oath in the presence of his son, his parents, siblings and most of the PN parliamentary group.  

Addressing the press at the end of the ceremony, Busuttil thanked the President and pledged his commitment to Parliament.

"In the days, weeks, months and years to come, I hope to do a good job as leader of the Opposition and also maintain a good relationship with you journalists," he told the press.

He added that the Opposition's shadow Cabinet would be announced tomorrow. Busuttil will be addressing the Parliament for the first time as leader of the Opposition later this evening.

Busuttil's predecessor Lawrence Gonzi was absent during the ceremony. Gonzi has indicated he will give up his parliamentary seat, paving the way for a by-election.