Enrico Letta formally sworn in as Italian PM

Italy prepared to swear in a new coalition government Sunday, bringing fresh hope to a country mired in recession after months of a bitter post-election deadlock watched closely by European partners.

Rome: Leftist moderate Enrico Letta was formally sworn in on Sunday as Italy`s new prime minister at the head of a coalition cabinet at a ceremony lead by President Giorgio Napolitano. The cabinet`s 21 ministerial posts have gone to a mix of experts and institutional figures from across the political spectrum to form a "grand coalition" which brings to an end a damaging political deadlock left by inconclusive elections. AFP