Video: Joseph Muscat welcomed in the House of Representatives

Labour leader Joseph Muscat was sworn in as Member of the House of Representatives this evening and welcomed by both sides of the House. He was later sworn in as Leader of the Opposition.

Dr Muscat was co-opted to the House on a motion by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi which was seconded by Labour deputy leader Anglu Farrugia.

Dr Gonzi said it was his privilege and pleasure to move this motion and he thanked Joseph Cuschieri who resigned his seat on Monday, creating the vacancy for Dr Muscat. He said this was a rare occasion where a party leader was being co-opted to the House and to eventually take his place as leader of the opposition. He wished Dr Muscat well as MP and leader of the Opposition and augured that they would work together in the national interest. He also thanked Charles Mangion, the outgoing Leader of the Opposition.

Dr Farrugia said this was a unique occasion where the Prime Minister was proposing the co-option of the Leader of the Opposition. He congratulated Dr Muscat and thanked Mr Cuschieri for his gesture. He was sure that Dr Muscat would make a success of his new role in the same way as he was successful in the European Parliament.

The motion was then approved unanimously with applause.

Dr Muscat was escorted into the Chamber by the Prime Minister and Dr Mangion and was then sworn in by the Speaker, Louis Galea, amid applause from both sides of the House.

He took the oath of allegiance which read: "I Joseph Muscat solemnly swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the people and the Republic of Malta and its Constitution. So help me God."

Dr Muscat then shook hands with all MPs.

In a short address he thanked the Prime Minister, Dr Farrugia and all present and saluted in particular Mr Cuschieri for his loyal gesture, Dr Mangion, and Alfred Sant, who, Dr Muscat said, was an example of honesty and integrity which he would seek to emulate. Dr Muscat said it was an honour to be sitting on the same benches as Dr George Vella, who had long been an inspiration for him.

He also thanked his wife Michelle, his parents and parents in-law for their support, without which all this would not have been present.

Dr Muscat said he believed both sides had the ultimate aim of serving the country and he would work for that purpose.

Dr Gonzi said he agreed that both sides were there to serve the people and he was sure that was what they would be doing, writing a new chapter in the history of the Maltese people. Heated debate was not a bad thing and that should only signal that both sides wanted the best for the country.

The Speaker also formally welcomed Dr Muscat and thanked Dr Mangion for his service as Leader of the Opposition.

A small crowd waited outside the Palace and cheered as Dr Muscat arrived at the House of Representatives. Many people also packed the Strangers' Gallery in the House of Representatives, which is normally empty.

Those in the Strangers Gallery included Mrs Muscat, Dr Muscat's parents, his parents in-law and Joseph Cuschieri. Dr Sant could not be present (because of health reasons).

Dr Muscat was sworn in as Leader of the Opposition by President Eddie Fenech Adami immediately after taking his seat in Parliament.