11 Nov 2011

Interim prime minister named in Greece

8:56 am on 11 November 2011

Greece has named an interim prime minister. He is Lucas Papademos, a former vice-president of the European Central Bank.

He replaces George Papandreou and will head a national unity government until elections in February.

President Karolos Papoulias has asked him to form a national unity government.

The BBC reports the interim administration will try to ratify a new European Union 130 billion euro bailout deal that was agreed last month and secure the next instalment of international loans.

State TV reported that Mr Papademos, 64, who is not a member of parliament will face a confidence vote, which is expected to happen on Monday.

Reports say Mr Papademos has accepted that current Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos remains in place.

The exact framework of the new coalition government is yet to be agreed.