[WATCH] Muscat's ministers, parliamentary secretaries take oath of office

The newly-appointed ministers and parliamentary secretaries, selected by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat to form his Cabinet, are taking their oath of office this afternoon.

The swearing-in ceremony is being held at the Palace in Valletta and presided by President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca.

The 24-strong Cabinet includes two more parliamentary secretaries - but also two fewer ministers - than the previous one.

Muscat yesterday reiterated that his choices were based on the competence of the MP in question, their personal result in the general election, as well as parliamentary experience and the need for even representation of all Malta’s citizens.

Among the most unexpected changes was the demotion of Anton Refalo, who will no longer be Gozo minister, and his replacement by Justyne Caruana. Refalo was elected on the first count with over 4,800 votes.

This is the full list of Cabinet appointments:

Joseph Muscat (OPM), Prime Minister, financial services, digital economy and innovation

• Silvio Schembri, parliamentary secretary for digital economy, financial services and innovation  
• Julia Farrugia, parliamentary secretary for reforms and citizenship

Chris Cardona, minister of economy, investment, small business and competition

Chris Cardona being sworn in as minister of economy, investment, small business and competition

Evarist Bartolo, minister for education and employment

• Clifton Grima, parliamentary secretary for youth and sport

Joe Mizzi, minister for energy and water management

Joe Mizzi being sworn in as minister for energy and water management

Helena Dalli, minister for EU affairs and equality

• Aaron Farrugia, parliamentary secretary for EU funds and social dialogue

Helena Dalli being sworn in as minister for EU affairs and equality

Edward Scicluna, minister of finance

Edward Scicluna being sworn in as minister of finance

Konrad Mizzi, minister for tourism

Michael Farrugia, minister for home affairs

Michael Farrugia being sworn in as minister for home affairs

Owen Bonnici, justice, culture and local government

• Silvio Parnis, parliamentary secretary for local government
• Deo Debattista, parliamentary secretary for consumer affairs and Valletta 2018

Owen Bonnici being sworn in as minister for justice, culture and local government

Jose' Herrera, minister for the environment and resources

• Clint Camilleri, parliamentary secretary for agriculture, fisheries and animal welfare

Jose' Herrera being sworn in as minister for the environment and resources

Chris Fearne, minister of health

Chris Fearne being sworn in as minister of health

Carmelo Abela, minister of foreign affairs and promotion of trade

Carmelo Abela being sworn in as minister of foreign affairs and promotion of trade

Ian Borg, minister for transport, infrastructure and capital projects, including planning and property market

• Chris Agius, parliamentary secretary for planning and property market

Justyne Caruana, minister for Gozo

Justyne Caruana being sworn in as minister for Gozo

Michael Falzon, minister for the family and social solidarity

• Roderick Galdes, parliamentary secretary for social housing
• Tony Agius Decelis, parliamentary secretary for disabled and elderly persons

Michael Falzon being sworn in as minister for the family and social solidarity

Moreover, Muscat yesterday announced the following appointments:

Byron Camilleri, government whip

Robert Abela, PM's personal legal consultant

Keith Schembri, chief of staff

Keith Schembri has been confirmed as chief of staff