Italy's Cabinet sworn in

Berlusconi officially becomes PM once Ciampi approves choices

ROME, Italy -- Silvio Berlusconi has been sworn in as Italian premier, leading a Cabinet which includes Umberto Bossi, the volatile politician who brought down his government seven years ago.

After Berlusconi, the next to be sworn in on Monday morning was Gianfranco Fini, who leads another coalition partner, the former neo-fascist National Alliance.

Bossi, whose Northern League party once advocated breaking up the Italian state, took the oath next.

Berlusconi, has promised "innovation, freedom and welfare" for his country. The billionaire media baron and his 24-man Cabinet gained ceremonial approval from the president Carlo Azeglio Ciampi on Sunday.

Berlusconi, 64, said after the 20-minute meeting at the presidential palace: "I'm satisfied for having put together an excellent team which can keep the promises made to Italians, to all Italians," the Associated Press reported.

He added that the Cabinet "can ensure innovation, freedom and welfare for all citizens."

It is the second time Berlusconi will have held the reigns of power -- the last time was for seven months in 1994.

His Forza Italia party are set to receive nine posts following negotiations that have lasted a month, including economics and defence.

Berlusconi rewarded his coalition partner, the Northern League, with three important jobs, including Bossi who has been put forward as the minister of reform. The other two are justice and labour.

The National Alliance will get five posts, including Fini, who will pick up the deputy premier's role.

The independents will get the jobs of foreign affairs, education and health.

The important job of foreign affairs will go to the former chief of the World Trade Organisation, Renato Ruggiero.

Berlusconi must put his government to a mandatory vote of confidence in both houses of parliament after Monday's swearing in.