Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi has sworn in a new Cabinet, which includes key positions for holdovers from former President Hosni Mubarak's era.

The swearing-in ceremony for the 35-minister Cabinet took place on Thursday, about a month after Mr. Morsi's inauguration.

Some officials from the previous government retained key positions, including Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi as defense minister. Other holdovers include Foreign Minister Mohammed Kamel Amr and Finance Minister Mumtaz al-Said.

Egyptian Prime Minister Hisham Qandil defended his Cabinet selections, saying he chose ministers based on competence.

The transition comes after 18 months of political turmoil and a power struggle between Mr. Morsi and the ruling military that took over when a popular uprising forced Mubarak from office.

The military will retain broad powers until the country elects a new parliament.