George Abela has been sworn in as the eighth President of the Republic of Malta.

He took his oath of office at the Grand Council Chamber of the Palace in Valletta, a fanfare was sounded and a 21-gun salute was fired from Pope Pius V Street in Valletta.

Dr Abela arrived at the Palace after walking from the St John’s Co-Cathedral in between hundreds of people who lined the street, cheering and congratulating him.

He was escorted by the Speaker, Louis Galea and accompanied by Mrs Abela, who bravely opted to walk despite being in obvious pain after having hurt her ankle last night.

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