Post date: Jun 20, 2012 5:36:35 PM
Moments before the swearing in ceremony, Samaras told Papoulias that he had enough support to form a government.
Greeks are sceptical about the future as Greece's new government is formed with New Democracy's Antonis Samaras sworn in as prime minister, pledging to do everything to get the country out of the crisis.
ATHENS, GREECE (JUNE 20, 2012) (REUTERS) - The leader of Greece's conservative New Democracy party, Antonis Samaras, was sworn in as prime minister by President Karolos Papoulias on Wednesday (June 20) after receiving a mandate to form a government.
"Our efforts have yielded a parliamentary majority to form a durable government which will give stability and hope to the people," said Samaras.
"I can only say that I give you the mandate to form a new government and to wish you good luck," said Papoulias.
The Archbishop of Greece Ieronymos led the swearing in ceremony where Samaras took his oath on the bible.
The New Democracy party leader pledged to pull his debt-stricken country out of the painful economic crisis that has forced unpopular measures on the public.
"With God's help, we'll do everything we can to get the country out of the crisis as soon as possible," said Samaras.
"I will ask the new government to work hard and offer the Greek people tangible hope," he added.
Outgoing prime minister Panagiotis Pikrammenos handed over power to the New Democracy leader just moments after the ceremony.
"I am fully aware how critical these moments are for our country. I know very well that Greek people are hurt and need to regain their dignity. I know that the economy must quickly recover to re-establish social justice and cohesion," Antonis Samaras told Pikrammenos.
Greeks on the streets of Athens said they had a lot of expectations from the new government but were not that optimistic things would improve after political leaders agreed to form a government.
"I think the situation is very critical for the country, the numbers are heavy for the national debt to be resolved. I believe this was the best choice for the Greek people, compared to the previous administration, although I am not very optimistic," said Simos Giannisis, a bank clerk.
"These people are the only hope. Because in no way must Greece leave Europe. Europe equals Greece, and Greece equals Europe," said Christos Koutras, a pensioner.
Samaras, whose New Democracy party won Sunday's election, is forming a government with the backing of the Socialist PASOK and the smaller Democratic Left parties. The leader had three days to form a coalition. The last election failed to produce a government after parties supporting and opposing the international bailout could not agree to cooperate.
PASOK socialist leader Evangelos Venizelos said the government would form a team to re-negotiate the terms of the 130 billion euro ($164.79 billion) bailout, potentially setting up a showdown with Greece's European partners who say they will tweak but not re-write the document.