by Renju Jose
SYDNEY, May 23 (Reuters) – Australian Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese was sworn in as the country’s 31st prime minister on Monday, promising a “journey of change” in tackling climate change, the rising cost of life and inequalities.
Labor returns to power after nine years in opposition, beating the Conservative coalition, after winning Saturday’s general election thanks to unprecedented support for the Greens and independent candidates who have emphasized the ‘environment.
If the counting of votes is not yet complete and the government not finalized, Anthony Albanese was invested in order to be able to take part on Tuesday in Tokyo in an important meeting of the Quadrilateral Dialogue on Security (“Quad”), bringing together Australia, the USA, India and Japan.
“It’s a great day in my life and a great day for the country when we change government,” the new prime minister told reporters ahead of the ceremony in Canberra.
Three important ministers have also been named, including Penny Wong for Foreign Affairs and who will accompany Anthony Albanese during his trip to Tokyo.
Anthony Albanese said he spoke with US President Joe Biden on Sunday. He added that he was looking forward to meeting the latter as well as the Japanese and Indian Prime Ministers.
(Report Renju Jose; French version Jean Terzian)