Greece awaits new PM name agreed by Greek leaders

Greece waits for the name of new temporary prime minister as country faces risk of leaving euro as suggested by EU leaders.

7 November 2011, 12:00am

1 min read

The name of a new prime minister will be agreed upon by Greek leaders to lead unity government until fresh polls are held. The Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou’s decision to hold a referendum on the EU bailout plan to tackle Greece’s debt crisis caused turmoil in the country.

The decision has since been revoked and Papandreou agreed to step down from office.

Two names currently proposed include former deputy president of the European Central Bank Lukas Papademos and Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos.

The new leader named will lead the country until elections are held on 19 February 2012 according to the finance ministry.

Papandreou had attempted to build a national unity government to replace his Pasok party administration. Negotiations were refused by Samaras of the New Democracy party unless his rival resigned first.

EU leaders have raised the possibility of Greece leaving the euro if it fails to resolve political and financial problems.