Robert Abela has formed his government and his 18 ministers and four parliamentary secretaries have been sworn in during a ceremony at the Auberge de Castille.

The prime minister said he had chosen a cabinet that includes a "mix of experience and new blood". 

Watch the swearing-in ceremony live

Abela indicated the make-up may change further when the female quota mechanism to appoint more women to parliament kicks in over the next few weeks. 

The new cabinet members and their families arrived shortly before 3.30pm for the ceremony. 

Ian Borg, right, who was moved from Transport Ministry to Foreign Ministry arrives with his family. Photo: Jessica ArenaIan Borg, right, who was moved from Transport Ministry to Foreign Ministry arrives with his family. Photo: Jessica Arena

Julia Farrugia Portelli, right, one of just three women in cabinet, arrives with her family for the ceremony. Photo: Matthew MirabelliJulia Farrugia Portelli, right, one of just three women in cabinet, arrives with her family for the ceremony. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Clifton Grima, who retains the Education and Sports portfolio, arrives with his family.Clifton Grima, who retains the Education and Sports portfolio, arrives with his family.

One of the new MPs elevated to a parliamentary secretary role is Keith Azzopardi Tanti. Photo: Matthew MirabelliOne of the new MPs elevated to a parliamentary secretary role is Keith Azzopardi Tanti. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Clint Camilleri, one of three Gozitan ministers in cabinet, flanked by his wife and mother. Photo: Matthew MirabelliClint Camilleri, one of three Gozitan ministers in cabinet, flanked by his wife and mother. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Lawyer and now Justice Minister Jonathan Attard arrives with his young family. Photo: Jessica ArenaLawyer and now Justice Minister Jonathan Attard arrives with his young family. Photo: Jessica Arena

Health Minister Chris Fearne, who has retained his portfolio, arrives for the ceremony. Photo: Matthew MirabelliHealth Minister Chris Fearne, who has retained his portfolio, arrives for the ceremony. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Aaron Farrugia, who is now in charge of Malta's roads, attends the ceremony. Photo: Matthew MirabelliAaron Farrugia, who is now in charge of Malta's roads, attends the ceremony. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Miriam Dalli has been given the super ministry of environment and energy. Photo: Jessica ArenaMiriam Dalli has been given the super ministry of environment and energy. Photo: Jessica Arena

Andy Ellul has been made a parliamentary secretary. Photo: Jessica ArenaAndy Ellul has been made a parliamentary secretary. Photo: Jessica Arena

Slivio Schembri, who retains the economy porfolio, arrives at the ceremony. Photo: Matthew MirabelliSlivio Schembri, who retains the economy porfolio, arrives at the ceremony. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Roderick Galdes, left, who remains housing minister, makes his way in with his family. Photo: Jessica ArenaRoderick Galdes, left, who remains housing minister, makes his way in with his family. Photo: Jessica Arena

First-time minister Jo Etienne Abela arrives to be sworn in. Photo: Matthew MirabelliFirst-time minister Jo Etienne Abela arrives to be sworn in. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

One of the longest-serving MPs in the cabinet, Anton Refalo, arrives for the ceremony. Photo: Matthew MirabelliOne of the longest-serving MPs in the cabinet, Anton Refalo, arrives for the ceremony. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli, one of six new faces in the cabinet, kisses the cross as part of the swearing-in ceremony. Photo: Jonathan BorgParliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli, one of six new faces in the cabinet, kisses the cross as part of the swearing-in ceremony. Photo: Jonathan Borg

Prime Minister Robert Abela and his deputy, Chris Fearne shake hands in front of President George Vella at the beginning of the ceremony. Photo: Jonathan BorgPrime Minister Robert Abela and his deputy, Chris Fearne shake hands in front of President George Vella at the beginning of the ceremony. Photo: Jonathan Borg

Finance Minister Clyde Caruana kisses the cross as part of the ceremony. Photo: Jonathan BorgFinance Minister Clyde Caruana kisses the cross as part of the ceremony. Photo: Jonathan Borg

Veteran minister Michael Falzon prepares to be sworn in. Photo: Jonathan BorgVeteran minister Michael Falzon prepares to be sworn in. Photo: Jonathan Borg

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