Joseph Muscat was yesterday sworn in as Leader of the Opposition by President Eddie Fenech Adami immediately after being co-opted to the House of Representatives.

He is the third Opposition Leader since the March election, succeeding Charles Mangion who, in turn, had taken over from Alfred Sant.

Dr Muscat became Labour leader in June, following Dr Sant's resignation.

Dr Muscat was co-opted to Parliament after MP Joseph Cuschieri gave up his seat on Monday.

The first Labour leader to be co-opted to Parliament was Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici in 1983, followed by Dr Sant in 1987, making Dr Muscat the third Labour leader in a row to be co-opted to the House.

Dr Fenech Adami congratulated the "very young" leader, wishing him every success. He said his situation was "unique" in that he had not contested the general election. However, he was not new to the experience, having contested and won the first MEP elections.

Dr Muscat stepped down as MEP last week, a position that was incompatible with his new role as a member of the Maltese Parliament.

The President praised him for his courageous choices, noting that he had to leave the European Parliament and make certain sacrifices, including financial, to serve his country.

Dr Muscat expressed pride at the fact that the country had called him to serve it, and said it was his duty to heed this call.

Dr Muscat was co-opted to the House of Representatives following a motion moved by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, seconded by Labour deputy leader Anġlu Farrugia.

He was escorted into the Chamber by Dr Gonzi and Dr Mangion and was sworn in by the Speaker, Louis Galea, amid applause from both sides of the House.

He was accompanied by his wife Michelle, his parents and in-laws, as a small crowd waited outside the Palace and cheered as he arrived.

The Strangers' Gallery in the House of Representatives, which is normally empty, was packed yesterday. Among them, apart from relatives, was Mr Cuschieri.

Dr Sant could not be present due to health reasons.