New Greek cabinet ministers pledge faster reforms

(Vatican Radio) In Athens on Saturday, half a dozen new Greek government members were sworn-in, pledging to work towards reforms promised by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras this week.

Listen to John Carr's report: 

They replace several leading members of the Syriza party, whom Tsipras booted out of office for breaking ranks with the rest of the party last Wednesday by voting against the Greek bailout package.

The new-look administration is seen as an attempt by Tsipras to strengthen his support ahead of another parliamentary vote on the bailout next Wednesday, and as a means of healing his fractured party.

Some of the new appointments drew criticism from the opposition.  One of them, a former television comedian, belonging to the right-wing Independent Greeks, has been given the highly sensitive social welfare portfolio. However, the appointment helps keep the Independent Greeks in the Syriza-led coalition.

The mood here in Athens this weekend has lightened somewhat. Barring unforeseen developments the banks will reopen on Monday after a three-week closure, though very tight capital controls will remain. However, the feeling of having dodged a bullet is widespread.