New Greek PM: 'Monumental task'

Former European Central Bank vice-president Lucas Papademos has been named as Greece's new prime minister, following days of negotiations.

Here BBC News readers give their reaction to the appointment.

Haris Daskalothanassis, Athens

I think Papademos is a good choice, as he represents competence and co-operation, and that is what he needs to succeed.

I see a new consensus with this appointment - and we're not used to this.

I hope he can use it to steer us through these very difficult times.

He was not elected prime minister, he was made prime minister, and he will need support from all parties. If not, we're not going anywhere.

There is a lot of expectation surrounding him, maybe too much expectation.

He will need to manage that, as he can't do it all overnight.

What we also need from him is clarity. Everyone is talking about harsh new measures, but no one is being specific on exactly how much of a sacrifice we will have to make.

If I know I am going to lose another "x" per cent from my income I can plan my life accordingly.

To be honest, I wouldn't want to be him. It's a monumental task. But there is no time to be lost. He needs to get started right away.

Vicky Eleftheriadou, Serres

I'm confident that this is the best option at a time when we are desperate for political stability.

Having a prime minister who is above party politics is the best thing for us.

He is not a politician, he is an economist and has a very specific purpose - to implement the conditions of the bailout.

We need someone right now who will focus on doing the job at hand, and not be concerned with image or seeking re-election in a few months' time.

He knows the market and the market knows him.

He will act as a mediator between Greece and the rest of Europe, and he will need to show that Greece is showing signs of stability, leadership and commitment.

I think we can trust him to do that.

Thodoris Foudoukidis, Thessaloniki

The appointment of Mr Papademos is not going to solve any of our problems.

He will follow the same policies as [outgoing Prime Minister George] Papandreou.

The solution was new elections, not this.

We need politicians that are elected by the people, not an appointed economist.

The banks will think this will work, but the people don't think the same.

I'm not optimistic for the future of this country - it's very hard to be optimistic at all these days.

The Greek people will not support this government.

It is nothing personal against Mr Papademos, it is about politics, and politically this government will fail.

Greece will then be forced to leave the eurozone, with other countries, such as Portugal, Italy and Spain following suit.

Interviews by Stephen Fottrell.