Malcolm Turnbull Swears In As New Australian Prime Minister

Malcolm Turnbull has sworn in as the 29th Prime Minister of Australia.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — On Tuesday, Malcolm Turnbull officially swore in as the 29th Prime Minister of Australia, the broadcaster ABC reported.

"I Malcolm Bligh Turnbull do swear that I will well and truly serve the people of Australia in the office of Prime Minister and that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen of Australia, so help me God," ABC quoted Turnbull as saying.

Australia’s Liberal party has voted in favor of Malcolm Turnbull taking over the country’s post of prime minister by ousting Prime Minister Tony Abbott in a 54-44 vote on Monday evening.

Earlier on Monday, Turnbull, who stepped down from his post as communications minister to challenge Abbott, cast doubt on the Abbott's ability to manage Australia’s economy.

Abbott’s approval rating dropped dramatically since the end of 2014 over unsuccessful economic policies, with the country's debt-to-GDP ratio surging to a record high not seen since 1996. Liberal Party members have long criticized Abbott for his unwillingness to listen to alternative points of view.