However, many senators from the opposing parties left the chamber before he spoke in protest over the cabinet line-up being a virtual carbon copy of the previous administration.

Matteo Renzi stepped down after a crushing defeat of his reforms in a constitutional referendum, and many of his ministers have posts in the new government. Analysts say that Gentiloni was chosen as a trusted figure to keep Renzi’s seat warm ahead of fresh elections, which could come early next year. (Euronews)