Greek elections 2009

Papandreou says he will fight cronyism

Article published on the 2009-10-07 Latest update 2009-10-09 09:42 TU

New Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou signs decree in Athens on 6 October 2009
(Photo: Reuters)

Newly elected Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou promised to stamp out corruption and modernise public services after the first meeting of his cabinet on Wednesday. His government will be committed to “transparency” and “the interest of the citizen”, he said.

After a meeting of his newly-appointed ministers, Papandreou said that a reassessment of public services would be the government's primary objective and cronyism will end.

Referring to five years' rule by right-winger Kostas Karamanlis, hesaid that his mandate is to, “reverse the lack of transparency and massive corruption, which has become a pandemic”.

Following the swearing-in ceremony Papandreou named his cabinet on Tuesday.

Louka Katseli, an economics professor who has worked for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, was named as head of the Economy Ministry, which now has new powers over development and shipping.

George Papaconstantinou, a graduate of London School of Economics and an expert on economics and the digital revolution, was chosen as head of Finance.

Pavlos Geroulanos, a close advisor to Papandreou, was given the Culture Ministry which looks after Greece’s important archaeological sites and museums.

Papandreou also created four new ministries – environment, energy/climate change, police/civil protection and finance/infrastructure, although he kept the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for himself.

Twenty-four of the 37 new ministers and deputy ministers have never served in government posts. Papandreou upheld his promise to name more female ministers, with five of the 14 key portfolios given to women.

Papandreou will now concentrate on his 100-day plan, which aims to help those on low incomes and revitalise the economy. Public debt in the country is one of the highest in Europe, with gross debt set to reach 108 per cent of Gross Domestic Product by 2010.