November 11, 2011
Greece’s new interim government, headed by former central banker Lucas Papademos, was sworn in on Friday after a day of tough bargaining over cabinet posts.
Mr Papademos has tried to ensure that fiscal and structural reforms already underway will not be delayed by the change of government.
Socialists – among them finance minister and deputy premier Evangelos Venizelos – stayed in place at a group of ministries responsible for implementing the bulk of measures agreed with the European Union and International Monetary Fund.
The swearing-in ceremony at the presidential mansion conducted by gold- and black-robed Orthodox bishops chanting “Kyrie Eleison” (Lord have mercy on us), was delayed for more than two hours by disputes over appointments to several key ministries.
“May you have strength”, said Archbishop Hieronymos of Athens, referring to the challenge the three-party coalition faces to accelerate reforms and avert a disorderly default.
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