The candidacy of former European Central Bank Vice President Lucas Papademos to head a new interim Greek government is facing hurdles, a senior Pasok Party official said Monday.
At issue, the source said, is a demand by Papademos that the new government should serve for a term of several months–longer than either the ruling Socialist government or the opposition New Democracy Party has envisioned for the interim government.
The two parties have agreed, in principle, to hold elections Feb. 19.
“At this moment, there is a problem with Mr. Papademos’ candidacy, who is asking that the time frame for the next elections be pushed back,” the source said.
He also said that Papademos is seeking a cabinet made up of political heavyweights that would be capable of making the tough decisions–and without interference from party leaders–needed to push through Greece’s reform program.
The official said that European Union Ombudsman Nikiforos Diamantouros is now being actively considered for the position of prime minister.
(source: Dow Jones)
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