Monti sworn in as Italy’s new PM

Former EU commissioner Mario Monti was sworn in as Italy’s new prime minister on Wednesday.

Monti and his cabinet of technocrats took part in the ceremony with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano.

There are no elected politicians in Monti’s new government. His picks must be confirmed by two confidence votes in the Italian parliament on Thursday and Friday.

The 68-year-old explained why he had decided against selecting politicians for ministerial positions.

“The absence of political personalities in the government will help, rather than hinder, a solid base of support for the government in parliament and in the political parties because it will remove one ground for disagreement,” said Monti.

Monti’s appointment ends Silvio Berlusconi’s third tenure as prime minister.

Italy’s major political parties, including Berlusconi’s People of Liberty, have all agreed to back the new government.

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