New Italian 'Grand Coalition' Sworn in

Away from the ceremony, outside the PM's office, two police officers were injured by gunshots. Photo by EPA/BGNES

A new Italian government has been sworn in at the presidential Quirinal Palace in Rome.

Democratic Party Deputy Leader (PD), Enrico Letta, becomes prime minister at the head of a "grand coalition" including Silvio Berlusconi's People of Freedom party (PDL).

The swearing-in signals the end of two months of political deadlock.

BBC correspondent said the "grand coalition" between Italy's current main right- and left-wing parties is unprecedented, and will probably prove an uneasy alliance.

The cabinet is to have more women than usual, including former European Commissioner Emma Bonino as foreign minister.

Other women given government jobs include Olympic kayaker Josefa Idem who becomes minister of equal opportunity and sports, and Anna Maria Cancellieri at the ministry of justice.

Away from the ceremony, outside the PM's office, two police officers were injured by gunshots.

A man has been arrested.

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