Far-right leader Giorgia Meloni sworn in as Italian premier

Italian President Sergio Mattarella is flanked by newly appointed Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni during the swearing in ceremony at the Quirinal presidential palace in Rome (Alessandra Tarantino/AP)

Giorgia Meloni, whose political party has neo-fascist roots, has been sworn in as Italy’s first woman premier.

Ms Meloni, 45, took the oath of office before the Italian president at the presidential palace.