Italy’s president is swearing in western Europe’s first populist government, featuring a mix of anti-establishment and right-wing ministers along with some experienced figures who have served in previous governments.

In the gilded Quirinale Palace, President Sergio Mattarella presided over the ceremony Friday in which 18 ministers — five of them women — were taking the oath of office to officially form a government coalition of the 5-Star Movement and the League party after three months of political deadlock.

The ceremony sets the stage for the formal handing over of the government later Friday. Confidence votes are scheduled on the new government in parliament next week.

Milan’s stock market was higher Friday after the deal was reached late Thursday.

Story by The Associated Press