Greek PM plans cabinet shake-up
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Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou said Wednesday that he will stay in office and move forward to a cabinet reshuffle on Thursday.
"I will continue on the path of reform along the parliamentary group of PASOK and the Greek people. I will make a cabinet reshuffle on Thursday and request the vote of confidence from the parliament," he said in a televised address.
The vote is scheduled for this Sunday, according to government sources. Papandreou is expected to win, local analysts forecast.
Dismissing scenarios that he would resign, the Greek premier blamed the conservative main opposition New Democracy party for failure to reach agreement on forming a unity government to lead Greece out of the debt crisis.
"Greece faces critical times and we should all assume our national responsibility to address the crisis," he said, stressing that over the past 20 months his socialist administration managed to keep the country on its feet and escape default.
It was a clear comment on earlier rumors that he was ready to step down in exchange for a broad alliance government that would implement the fresh wave of austerity and reform measures EU/ International Monetary Fund lenders request from Athens in order to release more aid.
The address was made amidst political turmoil, as Greece was hit by a general nationwide strike on Wednesday that was marred with violent clashes between anarchists and police around the parliament building earlier this noon.
Papandreou faced mounting protests and the prospect of more defections of PASOK deputies ahead of a vote scheduled in parliament on June 28 over the new package of austerity measures.
Meanwhile, Greek opposition parties represented in parliament requested snap general elections instead of the cabinet reshuffle.
"The Premier has lost the confidence of Greek people and markets. A historic opportunity was lost. If he cannot govern the country anymore, he should call elections," conservative main opposition New Democracy party leader Antonis Samaras said, clearly calling for early elections for first time in a year of growing protests.
Greek Communist Party General Secretary Aleka Papariga and far Right Popular Orthodox Rally party head Yorgos Karatzaferis also voiced objections to the choice of a cabinet reshuffle and asked for snap elections.
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