ATHENS — Greece has named former European Central Bank Vice President Lucas Papademos as its next prime minister, ending a three-day deadlock between the country's two main political parties over who will lead the interim government.
Greek President Karolos Papoulias said Thursday he has instructed Papademos to form a government after chairing a meeting of almost five hours with outgoing Prime Minister George Papandreou, the leader of New Democracy Antonis Samaras and smaller nationalist party leader Georgios Karatzaferis.
"It was agreed that the goal of the new government is to implement decisions relating to the Oct. 26 summit and implement the economic policy connected to these decisions," said Papoulias.
Papandreou's departure after a tumultuous two years in power follows more than a week of turmoil that started with his call for a referendum on the aid package and climaxed in a vote of confidence early Saturday morning. He carried the vote, but said he would start the procedure for a coalition government to take over.
Papademos, who later joined the meeting of political leaders at the presidential palace, asked for the full support of the parties and got it, according to senior official from the ruling Socialists.
"He asked for no party interference in the day-to-day work of his cabinet and got the necessary assurances," the official said.
"Papandreou and Samaras will give Mr Papademos a list of candidates that will make up his cabinet. Mr Papademos will first approve it and then the cabinet will be announced."
