In pictures: MPs sworn in to Malta's 15th parliament
Parliamentarians accompanied by their partners greet well-wishers in Valletta
Malta's lawmakers were dressed for the occasion as they were sworn into office as members of the country's 15th parliament on Saturday.
Accompanied by their partners, MPs greeted well-wishers and exchanged pleasantries as they walked down Republic Street and into parliament following a Mass held at St John's Co-Cathedral.
Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi used his homily to emphasise parliamentarians' responsibility to be honest, care for the environment and protect human life at all stages.
With 79 MPs in total, this legislature joins the previous one as the largest in history. The increased size is due to the implementation of a gender corrective mechanism that added 12 MPs to parliament.
Prime Minister Robert Abela and his wife Lydia Abela. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
Chris Bonett. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
Ian Borg and his wife Rachelle. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
Adrian Delia and his partner Cynthia Galea.
Owen Bonnici and Mark Anthony Sammut. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
PN MP Rebekah Borg. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
MPs led by Andy Ellul and Malcolm Paul Agius Galea line up to get into parliament along with their partners. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
MPs and their partners line up to enter parliament. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
Labour MP and Minister Keith Azzopardi Tanti. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
Labour MP and Minister Jonathan Attard. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
Labour MP Nigel Vella. Behind him is retired judge Toni Abela. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
MPs enter parliament. Among them are ministers Byron Camilleri and Chris Fearne. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
Labour Ministers Alison Zerafa Civelli and Byron Camilleri, accompanied by their partners. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
Carmelo Abela, who will be the new parliament's Speaker. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
Alex Borg, Sarah Bajada and her child. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
PN treasurer Veronica Perici Calascione, former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and PN general secretary Charles Bonello. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
Labour MP and minister Clifton Grima. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
Labour MP and minister Silvio Schembri. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
Alicia Bugeja Said. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
Labour MP and minister Rosianne Cutajar. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
Opposition leader Alex Borg and his partner Sarah Bajada lead PN MPs into parliament. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
PN MP Joe Giglio and his wife Jeanine.
PN MPs including Toni Bezzina, Bernice Bonello, Bernard Grech, Adrian Delia and Joe Giglio led into parliament by Alex Borg. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
PN MP Darren Carabott and his partner.