Berlusconi and ministers sworn in

Silvio Berlusconi was sworn in as premier of Italy’s 60th government in as many years today, after naming a team of ministers that closely resembles the one he led until stepping down days earlier during a power struggle with allies.

President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi shook hands with Berlusconi before Cabinet ministers were sworn in. Conservative Berlusconi is keeping most ministers in their old jobs, including Gianfranco Fini, head of the National Alliance party, who remains foreign minister and deputy premier.