MADRID, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Pedro Sanchez was sworn in as Spanish prime minister in a brief ceremony with King Felipe VI of Spain at the royal residence on the outskirts of Madrid on Friday.

The ceremony, held at the Palacio de la Zarzuela, was carried out two hours after Sanchez was confirmed as prime minister in the Official State Bulletin (BOE).

As he did when being sworn in in 2018 and in 2020, Sanchez gave the oath on a copy of the Spanish Constitution, but without the presence of the bible or crucifix which previous prime ministers had used.

After taking the oath, King Felipe congratulated Sanchez on returning to office.

Sanchez was re-elected as prime minister in Thursday's investiture vote, with 179 votes in favor and 171 against.